USS Harmon
On this date in 1943, the SS Leonard Roy Harmon, became the first Navy fighting ship to be named after an African American.
Leonard Harmon was a World War II naval hero who courageously exposed himself to hostile gunfire to protect a shipmate and consequently was killed in action. He was awarded the Navy Cross.
Reference:
Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue S.E.
Washington D.C. 20540
