It’s difficult to think about #BlackHistoryMonth without thinking about Jackie Robinson. Beyond his contributions to baseball, Robinson also broke race barriers in the military.
He was first drafted and assigned to a segregated Army cavalry unit in Fort Riley, Kansas. In January 1943, Robinson was commissioned a second lieutenant, and later assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, where he joined the 761st "Black Panthers" tank battalion.
On July 6, 1944, Robinson boarded an Army bus. The driver ordered Robinson to move to the back of the bus, but Robinson refused. The driver called the military police, who took Robinson into custody. He was subsequently court martialed, but was later acquitted.
After his military service, Robinson went on to become the first African American player in Major League Baseball. We all know the incredible story from there. Read more about Jackie Robinson’s military career here: defense.gov/Explore/Featur…
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