Making Invisible Histories Visible
Contributions made by African-American soldiers from Omaha
The Purple Heart (PH) is awarded to a soldier that has been either injured or killed in action. The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is the next level up from the Purple Heart. This recognition is for heroic or meritorious achievements or service. The Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC) is presented to those soldiers that have earned more than one Purple Heart or Bronze Star Medal.
Although African Americans struggled with racial equality, they made significant contributions during the Vietnam War. Engraved on Milton A. Ross' headstone are letters BSM, PH and OLC. Many African American troops received numerous medals but were not recognized in the mainstream media. Black newspapers, like The Omaha Star, are significant because they published news from the black community. The following is a list of troops whose accomplishments were celebrated in The Omaha Star. In 1967 Blaine A. Wilson received the Air Force Commendation Medal. In 1966 George H. Williams received the Vietnam Service Medal and James E. Prater received the Bronze Star. Porter Pittman was awarded the Purple Heart during his 26 month tour in Vietnam. During 1969, the same year that Milton A. Ross won his Purple heart and Bronze Star, Maurice T. Craddock received the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Accommodation, and the National Defense Air Medal. All of these African-American men are from Omaha.
Contributions made by African-American soldiers from Omaha
The Purple Heart (PH) is awarded to a soldier that has been either injured or killed in action. The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is the next level up from the Purple Heart. This recognition is for heroic or meritorious achievements or service. The Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC) is presented to those soldiers that have earned more than one Purple Heart or Bronze Star Medal.
Although African Americans struggled with racial equality, they made significant contributions during the Vietnam War. Engraved on Milton A. Ross' headstone are letters BSM, PH and OLC. Many African American troops received numerous medals but were not recognized in the mainstream media. Black newspapers, like The Omaha Star, are significant because they published news from the black community. The following is a list of troops whose accomplishments were celebrated in The Omaha Star. In 1967 Blaine A. Wilson received the Air Force Commendation Medal. In 1966 George H. Williams received the Vietnam Service Medal and James E. Prater received the Bronze Star. Porter Pittman was awarded the Purple Heart during his 26 month tour in Vietnam. During 1969, the same year that Milton A. Ross won his Purple heart and Bronze Star, Maurice T. Craddock received the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Accommodation, and the National Defense Air Medal. All of these African-American men are from Omaha.