Personal Narrative Manuscript/Mixed Material Photo, Print, Drawing Software, E-Resource Audio Recording Ernest T. Maxey Collection
Veterans History Project Service Summary:
- War or Conflict: World War, 1939-1945
- Branch of Service: Coast Guard
- Location of Service: Atlantic Ocean
- Highest Rank: Commander
- Collection Number: AFC/2001/001/4350
In search of adventure, Ernest Maxey volunteered for the Coast Guard in1942. After finishing in the top 10 percent of his class in signalman school, he worked at a lighthouse, on a troop transport ship, and at the Seamen's Institute. Discharged in 1945, he returned to the Coast Guard Reserves in 1950, and moved up through the ranks until he was promoted to commander before his retirement in 1983. Maxey faced continuous discrimination throughout his career; based on his experiences, the Coast Guard reviewed and changed several of its civil rights policies. After his retirement from the Coast Guard Reserve, Maxey broke another barrier by becoming the first African-American detective for the Chicago Hyde Park Police department.
Ernest T. Maxey Collection
Interview / Recording
Transcript
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PlayAssignments before he went to sea; facing racial discrimination and racist policies; pursuing higher ratings; serving on a troop transport ship. 00:03:25.0 - 00:07:14.0
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PlayThoughts upon his retirement; articulating the hardships he faced during his career. 00:11:34.0 - 00:12:44.0
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PlayRetirement from his job as a supervising auditor 00:12:55.0 - 00:15:02.0
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About this Item
Title
- Ernest T. Maxey Collection
Names
- George, Ellen L.
- VA Medical Center, Chicago Health Care Systems
- Maxey, Ernest T.
- James, Marie L.
Home State
- Illinois
Headings
- - Maxey, Ernest T.
- - World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal Narratives
- - United States. Coast Guard.
Repository
- Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Gender
- Male
Race
- Black or African American
Status
- veteran
Service History
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World War, 1939-1945
- Branch of Service: Coast Guard
- Location of Service: Atlantic Ocean
- Highest Rank: Commander
- Dates of Service: 1942-1983
- Military Status: veteran
Materials
- Manuscript: Clippings [1 item] -- Typewritten document (collected unknown)
- Audio: Microcassette [1 item] -- Oral history interview (collected 2003-02-25)
- Photograph: Copy photographic print [1 item] -- Portrait (collected 1983-10)
- Computer File: CD [1 item] -- Electronic file of manuscript (collected 2003-02-25; 2009-01-17)
- Manuscript: Transcript [1 item] -- Transcription of audio recording (collected 2009-01-15)
- Audio: CD [1 item] -- Reference copy (collected 2003-02-25; 2007-12-03)
Collection Number
- AFC/2001/001/4350
Cite as
- Ernest T. Maxey Collection (AFC/2001/001/4350), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Online Format
- audio
- image
- online text