Korean War Reveals Continued Military Racism Despite Desegregation Order

Despite Executive Order 9981 (1948) ordering desegregation of the military, Black soldiers in Korea in 1950 still serve largely in segregated units. The all-Black 24th Infantry Regiment faces court-martials for alleged cowardice — charges many historians call racially motivated. Lt. Leon Gilbert is sentenced to death (later commuted) after refusing an order he believed suicidal. Full implementation of desegregation in Korea takes until 1951-1952. Black soldiers continue to face inferior equipment, white officers' racism, and harsher military justice.