On July 17, 1944, an explosion at Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California claimed the lives of 320 men—most never properly honored or identified and placed in graves with headstones marked, “UNKNOWN”. Today, we remember their names, share their stories, and call for a national memorial.

 

In the heart of World War II, 320 American servicemen lost their lives in a catastrophic munitions explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California. The majority were young African American sailors, assigned under segregated practices to one of the most dangerous tasks of the war—loading of munitions for the Pacific front.

Though their deaths marked the largest home front disaster of the war. The fall represented four branches of services as well as Merchant Mariners and civilian employees. Yet for decades, the full  story remained obscured—overshadowed by silence and the policies of a segregated military.

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Today, we bring light to that dark hour on July 17, 1944, and renew our national promise to all who serve: to give each of the fallen a name, a place and the honor long overdue.