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Port Chicago Mutiny 55 years ago, near San Francisco Bay, a group of African--American sailors were loading warships with ammunition at the Port Chicago Depot. Sometime just after midnight, there was a massive explosion that flattened the port, and killed more than 300 men. Soon after that, the black munitions crews were ordered back to work but 50 refused, fearing for their safety. The men were all court-martialed, convicted of mutiny, and sentenced to as many as 15 years hard labor. Producer Dan Collison spoke with some of the surviving Port Chicago sailors, and he brings us THEIR story of what happened that July night in 1944, and what's happened since.

All Things Considered

Port Chicago Mutiny

Heard on All Things Considered

Port Chicago Mutiny

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55 years ago, near San Francisco Bay, a group of African—American sailors were loading warships with ammunition at the Port Chicago Depot. Sometime just after midnight, there was a massive explosion that flattened the port, and killed more than 300 men. Soon after that, the black munitions crews were ordered back to work but 50 refused, fearing for their safety. The men were all court-martialed, convicted of mutiny, and sentenced to as many as 15 years hard labor. Producer Dan Collison spoke with some of the surviving Port Chicago sailors, and he brings us THEIR story of what happened that July night in 1944, and what's happened since.