This book is dedicated to my father, the late Birdel F. Jackson, Jr, who along with his fellow Black Coast Guardsmen were pioneers in the integration of the US Coast Guard as sailors under the war-time direction of the US Navy. These men were trained to operate naval vessels not for the steward service. The document issued by the US Department of the Navy, referenced in the following pages, directed the Coast Guard to train and place these men on the small ships of their fleet.
The Black sailors deserve recognition and celebration for their pioneering efforts in their service to our country, although much belated and unrecognized.