Great Lakes in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Golden Thirteen

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010

1. The Golden Thirteen Marker

Inscription.
In March, 1944, the first African-American naval officers in U.S. history were commissioned at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Twelve ensigns and one warrant officer made American military history, and went on to serve with distinction in World War II. They called themselves the Golden Thirteen. One of these men, William S. White, went on to become a Judge on the Illinois Appellate Court. Today, Building 1405, located onboard Recruit Training Command, is dedicated to the Golden Thirteen and their significant contribution to history.

Erected by Naval Station Great Lakes.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1944.

Location. 42° 18.744′ N, 87° 50.411′ W. Marker is in Great Lakes, Illinois, in Lake County. Marker is on Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the left when traveling east. Marker is in the Historic District of Naval Station Great Lakes. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Great Lakes IL 60088, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Origins of the Base / Construction (here, next to this marker); Black and White (here, next to this marker); The First Recruit / Original Historic Structures

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); World War I / Between the Wars (a few steps from this marker); Building Five (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Architectural Design (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Lakes Athletics (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Lakes.

Also see . . .
1. The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy. Naval History and Heritage Command entry, included a link to the Golden Thirteen. (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

2. National Museum of the American Sailor (formerly Great Lakes Naval Museum). Museum website homepage (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

3. Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Encyclopedia of Chicago website entry (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

4. William S. White Obituary. (Submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photo of The Golden Thirteen on Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010

2. Photo of The Golden Thirteen on Marker

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010

3. Photo of The Golden Thirteen on Marker

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010

4. The Golden Thirteen Marker

Looking northeast

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010

5. The Golden Thirteen Marker

Closest marker to camera. Looking northeast toward Building 3 (former Drill Hall) in background

Historic District Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.

6. Historic District Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 6. submitted on November 14, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.