SC Veterans
And the Civil Rights Movement
CSM James Alford cuts the ribbon for the South Carolina Veterans and the Civil Rights Movement exhibit on February 23, 2024. CSM Alford enlisted in the military when he was seventeen, served one tour in Korea and four tours in Vietnam. He was attended by his daughters, including Tamara Robinson (left).
This honors Federal Judge and Civil Rights Activist Matthew J. Perry, a Columbia, SC native who served in a quartermaster unit in World War II. The Jeep is a Ford GWP with an early WWII-era trailer. The uniform is similar to one worn by SSG Matthew J. Perry during his service in France. It features the buttons, patches, and stripes of a quartermaster unit. The uniform and hat are on loan from Bruce Cotner.
The colors are from the 371st Division, a segregated unit of men of color who served in World War I and World War II. The uniform on the right was worn by BG Calvin Elam, the first African-American General officer in the South Carolina National Guard. The 371st Colors are on loan from the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.
This sword was made for Col. Franklin J. Moses III of the USMC, upon his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1881. His father was Franklin J. Moses Jr., Adjutant General of South Carolina from 1868-1872 and governor from 1872-1874. Governor Moses was pilloried for integrating the state government and USC during Reconstruction and criticized for socializing with people of color and for unsound spending.
World War I artifacts include a French Adrian helmet, a tunic, a service flag, and a patch from the 93rd Infantry Division. Due to segregation, many African-American soldiers were relegated to servile roles in WWI and WWII. Those who did see combat often fought under French commanders.
After Isaac Woodard was blinded in Batesburg, SC, President Truman integrated the Federal government and U.S. armed forces in 1948. Items like the segregated shower sign (lower left) became obsolete, but there were difficulties ahead. Films like The Red Ball Express (lower right) often whitewashed units that were primarily composed of people of color.
Class A Dress Jacket worn by Gail Williams, the first female African-American Command Sergeant Major in the South Carolina Army National Guard. This uniform has a State Area Command patch, a 3rd Army patch, an American Flag patch, and Command Sergeant Major rank insignia.