Master Chief Boatswain's
Carl Brashear

Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Carl Brashear, 1948-1979 Despite losing his left leg in an accident, Master Chief Brashear advanced from E-1 to E-9 to become the first African-American Master Diver in the U.S. Navy.  Master Chief Brashear served afloat aboard Palau, Tripoli, Opportune, Nereus, Coucal, Shakori, Hoist, Hunley, and Recovery and progressed successively through the Navy's Diving Specialties: Salvage Diver; Second Class Diver; First Class Diver; Saturation Diver; and Master Diver. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and eight awards of the Good Conduct Medal. His sterling example inspired a movie about his life (Men of Honor) which depicted the racism he overcame, the heroism he displayed in diving, and the inspiration he exhibited in his leadership.

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