![Arbor, Jesse W. Arbor, Jesse W.](/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/us-people/a/arbor-jesse-w/_jcr_content/textheader.img.jpg/1407939862432.jpg)
Description
Arbor, Jesse W.
Ensign, USNR, (Commissioned, 1944)
In February 1944, the Navy commissioned its first African-American officers. This long-hoped-for action represented a major step forward in the status of African-Americans in the Navy and in American society. The twelve commissioned officers, and a warrant officer who received his rank at the same time, came to be known as the "Golden Thirteen".
The following pictures feature the "Golden Thirteen", as a group and as individuals.