American Patriot: Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson would be an American Hero even if it wasn't for his military service. For those following this blog, you know that I posted two things about Robinson back on Jackie Robinson day. You can find those stories by clicking on the Jackie Robinson tab at the top of the page. Most people only know about him for what he did on the field. Robinson was equally impressive and influential off of it.

Jackie Robinson applied for OCS (Officer Candidate School) when it was unheard of for African Americans to do so. This was in 1942 During WW2 which was before Robinson's breaking the color barrier. Not only was Robinson accepted into army OCS, but in 1943 he finished. After finishing OCS, Robinson was commissioned a second lieutenant. Once Robinson received his commission he joined the 761st Tank Battalion in Fort Hood Texas.



Robinson was told to go to the back of the bus by a military bus driver at one point during his commission which he refused. He received racist insults and questioning during that incident as well. Robinson would have shipped to Europe with his unit in 1944, but was instead court martialed over the incident. Later in 1944, Robinson was exonerated and honorably discharged. Who knows what would have happened in Robinson shipped out to Europe instead? He is a patriot for becoming a lieutenant in the 1st place and trying to serve his country and protect their freedoms. Jackie Robinson is quite the impressive person.

-Noland