13. Port Chicago Disaster (1944)
On July 17, 1944, a catastrophic explosion occurred at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California, resulting in the deaths of 320 individuals, including 202 African American sailors. The explosion highlighted the dangers of handling munitions and led to significant changes in military safety procedures. Additionally, the incident underscored racial injustices within the military, as African American sailors were disproportionately affected. For more detailed information, refer to the U.S. Navy’s account of the Port Chicago disaster. (history.navy.mil)
