Uncommon Naval War Hero
Who is John Seagraves? He is a living hero – specifically an American, African-American, and Naval war hero.
John grew up in what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation.” Born during the Great Depression, the WWII generation, also known as the “silent generation” was a group of tough, hard working men who let their work ethic do the talking at a time when excuses were unacceptable. These people fought with grit and determination, cut no corners, and did whatever necessary to feed their families. Survival hung in the balance.
He was a 10 year old who found ways to help feed his family and continued to be a significant bread winner despite having a father and stepfather during most of his upbringing. After his recruitment into naval service, he refused to shine shoes and iron laundry according to Navy requirements.
Uncommon Naval War Hero
Once assigned to the USS NORTH CAROLINA, known as “The Showboat,” he volunteered to work for officer’s mess cook and showed an interest in becoming a gunner, a role not previously allowed by the Navy. He and his gun crew earned a regular rotation on a 20mm gun when they identified and helped shoot down a kamikaze that went undetected. The Japanese plane was intercepted before it could do significant damage to a ship that had survived a direct torpedo hit once in its history.
John and his gun crew’s actions saved the battleship and her crew before her luck ran out. He was never formally acknowledged by the US Navy but Commander Stryker chose to capture a photo of the men who saved his life and the lives of many others. Few knew what really happened that day. Men, particularly black men, did heroic things that went unnoticed, unacknowledged, or simply forgotten. The USS NORTH CAROLINA battleship ultimately became the most successful and highly decorated ship in the history of the U.S. Navy.
After the war, John improved his life expectations with his beliefs, commitments and actions despite a 4th grade education. He relocated from the Atlanta to New York City, then Boston. As a mid-20s black man who could not find work as a cook, he opened his first restaurant with a pregnant wife and young daughter. He failed but that would not stop him from accomplishing his dream. Several years went by before he would try again. He believed in himself and kept trying until he finally succeeded as a restauranteur.
John returned to the “new south” triumphant as a successful business owner. But the lessons were many. He learned to make something of life regardless of opportunity, upbringing, benefits or special circumstances. Anything is possible. Courage as much as knowledge is power. Experience a generation’s blueprint for success. Bravery and determination provided the secrets to winning a war, as well as a plan for life when the odds were against them. Strength of will, desire and commitment are the only recipes for success.
Uncommon Naval War Hero
Black men like John survived Jim Crow laws, The Great Depression, World War II and unspeakable indignities to provide for their families and change the course of history. In part, this book commemorates commitments and sacrifices subsequent generations should never forget.
“Uncommon Hero: The John Seagraves Story” is compelling and a wonderfully refreshing reminder of the men who paved the way for life as we know it. He is one of the naval war hero whose story has never been told… until now.
