World War II Homefront Era: 1940s: The Port Chicago Incident
Three First Class seamen stationed at Port Chicago examine the shrapnel remaining from the infamous 1944 explosion that killed 320 sailors. From left to right: Arthur Moore, Alexandar Troupe, and Rudolph Williams. ca. 1944. Photographer unknown. Gelatin silver print. Courtesy of African American Museum & Library at Oakland.
The three soldiers in this image were supposed to work the night of the Port Chicago explosion, but had asked for a transfer so that they could spend time with their wives. Their night off was the night of the explosion, which killed many of their fellow sailors.