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Story
October 4, 1941
The Phoenix Index
Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona
What is this article about?
Dr. Harold J. Franklin, a Negro doctor from Jersey City, passed all exams for U.S. Navy assistant surgeon but was rejected due to failing physical qualifications, suspected to be racial discrimination. He sought NAACP help in New York in 1941.
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Negro Doctor Is Barred By Navy Officials
Had Passed All Examinations; Is Turned Down
NEW YORK. N. Y.--The United States Navy does not want Dr. Harold J. Franklin of Jersey City N. J., as assistant surgeon with the rank of junior lieutenant even though he passed all examinations -written, oral and physical--necessary for that post.
Dr. Franklin, who is now an interne at Medical Center in Jersey City, brought all the documents in his case to the office of the NAACP here including the final word from the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of the Navy Department: "You did not meet physical qualifications for appointment."
WROTE THE NAVY
Dr. Franklin wrote to the Navy May 25, 1941, and on May 27, he received a letter containing a circular, instructions for filing his application, and information that the next examination for appointment in the medical corps of the Navy would be held August 11 to 15, inclusive.
Proof that the Navy is anxious to secure surgeons may be seen in the cordial tone of the letter, whose salutation was "Dear Dr. Franklin" and whose ending contained the phrase "With kind regards."
Under date of July 21. Dr. Franklin was notified to report to the Naval Hospital at Brooklyn. N. Y. at 9 a. m. August 11 for the examination.
GIVEN ENDORSEMENT
On the back of that letter is an official endorsement from the U. S. Naval Hospital. Brooklyn. N. Y., signed by P. P. Maher. which states "examined and found physically qualified for appointment as Assistant Surgeon in the U. S. Navy with the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade)."
Later in August, Dr. Franklin. found that he had passed both the written and oral examinations. and since he had been certified as physically fit, he awaited notice of his appointment. When no notice was received, he finally wired the Navy department in Washington, and on September 11 received a telegram stating "You did not meet physical qualifications for appointment."
Puzzled by this apparent contradiction, Dr. Franklin wrote the Bureau a letter immediately, and on September 15 received a letter which added no information to that contained in the telegram. The letter merely states "A review of the report of physical examination conducted on August 11, 1941, shows that you do not meet the physical requirements for appointment as Assistant Surgeon."
GETS BRUSQUE LETTER
In contrast to the cordial tone of the first letter received by Dr. Franklin on May 25, the letter of September 15 is strictly business-like, beginning "Dear Sir"
Dr. Franklin, who is light in complexion, told the NAACP that the only possible reason he could imagine for the reversal of opinion by the Navy department on his fitness was that somewhere in going over his record the Navy found out that he was actually a Negro.
Had Passed All Examinations; Is Turned Down
NEW YORK. N. Y.--The United States Navy does not want Dr. Harold J. Franklin of Jersey City N. J., as assistant surgeon with the rank of junior lieutenant even though he passed all examinations -written, oral and physical--necessary for that post.
Dr. Franklin, who is now an interne at Medical Center in Jersey City, brought all the documents in his case to the office of the NAACP here including the final word from the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of the Navy Department: "You did not meet physical qualifications for appointment."
WROTE THE NAVY
Dr. Franklin wrote to the Navy May 25, 1941, and on May 27, he received a letter containing a circular, instructions for filing his application, and information that the next examination for appointment in the medical corps of the Navy would be held August 11 to 15, inclusive.
Proof that the Navy is anxious to secure surgeons may be seen in the cordial tone of the letter, whose salutation was "Dear Dr. Franklin" and whose ending contained the phrase "With kind regards."
Under date of July 21. Dr. Franklin was notified to report to the Naval Hospital at Brooklyn. N. Y. at 9 a. m. August 11 for the examination.
GIVEN ENDORSEMENT
On the back of that letter is an official endorsement from the U. S. Naval Hospital. Brooklyn. N. Y., signed by P. P. Maher. which states "examined and found physically qualified for appointment as Assistant Surgeon in the U. S. Navy with the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade)."
Later in August, Dr. Franklin. found that he had passed both the written and oral examinations. and since he had been certified as physically fit, he awaited notice of his appointment. When no notice was received, he finally wired the Navy department in Washington, and on September 11 received a telegram stating "You did not meet physical qualifications for appointment."
Puzzled by this apparent contradiction, Dr. Franklin wrote the Bureau a letter immediately, and on September 15 received a letter which added no information to that contained in the telegram. The letter merely states "A review of the report of physical examination conducted on August 11, 1941, shows that you do not meet the physical requirements for appointment as Assistant Surgeon."
GETS BRUSQUE LETTER
In contrast to the cordial tone of the first letter received by Dr. Franklin on May 25, the letter of September 15 is strictly business-like, beginning "Dear Sir"
Dr. Franklin, who is light in complexion, told the NAACP that the only possible reason he could imagine for the reversal of opinion by the Navy department on his fitness was that somewhere in going over his record the Navy found out that he was actually a Negro.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Mystery
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Social Manners
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Racial Discrimination
Navy Rejection
Doctor Barred
Physical Qualifications
Naacp Involvement
What entities or persons were involved?
Dr. Harold J. Franklin
P. P. Maher
Where did it happen?
New York, N. Y.; Jersey City, N. J.; Brooklyn, N. Y.; Washington
Story Details
Key Persons
Dr. Harold J. Franklin
P. P. Maher
Location
New York, N. Y.; Jersey City, N. J.; Brooklyn, N. Y.; Washington
Event Date
1941
Story Details
Dr. Franklin passed Navy exams for assistant surgeon but was rejected on physical grounds after initial approval, suspected due to his race; he consulted NAACP.