The Pentagon Just Admitted to Using Black Soldiers as Human Guinea Pigs in WWII. Should the military compensate them?

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 08:17:47 -0400

By David A. Love
Black enlisted men were used as human guinea pigs in chemical experiments during World War II—not by Nazi Germany, but by Uncle Sam.
As was reported by NPR, 60,000 American soldiers were enrolled in a secret chemical weapons testing program in which they were exposed to mustard gas and the chemical agent lewisite, which causes lung irritation and blisters. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Defense conducted the tests based on the race of the soldiers. Black, Japanese-American and Puerto Rican soldiers were locked in a gas chamber and exposed to the chemicals. White soldiers were used as the control group.

“They said we were being tested to see what effect these gases would have on Black skins,” said Rollins Edwards, 93, of Summerville, S.C. “You had no choice. You did not know where you were going. They didn’t tell you anything.”

Edwards says his skin still falls off in flakes as a result of the testing. For years, the World War II veteran carried around a jar full of flakes to convince people that something had happened to him.

Although the Pentagon had admitted as early as 1991 that the Army tested mustard gas on enlisted soldiers during World War II—and the experiment program was officially declassified in 1993—news about the racial targeting of soldiers was kept under wraps until recently.

Rollins Edwards, who lives in Summerville, S.C., shows one of his many scars from exposure to mustard gas in World War II military experiments. More than 70 years after the exposure, his skin still falls off in flakes. For years, he carried around a jar full of the flakes to try to convince people of what happened to him.

This revelation that the Army tested chemical weapons on soldiers of color is both troubling and an outrage, but the concept of Black people being used in medical and other experiments is by no means a new phenomenon. There are numerous examples of Black people being used as guinea pigs in unethical medical experiments. Perhaps the most well-known example is the Tuskegee experiment, in which the Tuskegee Institute and the U.S. Public Health Service studied the natural progression of syphilis in 600 Black men, who were never notified of their condition and were not treated. The tests, which began in 1932, did not end until news reports exposed the inhumane and racist practice in 1972.

But there are other cases beyond Tuskegee. For example, in the early 1800s, Sara Baartman, or “Hottentot Venus,” one of two KhoiKhoi women made into freak show attractions in Europe, was subjected to medical experiments. And modern gynecology was the result of torturous gynecological experiments that J. Marion Sims performed on enslaved women without anesthesia.

At the turn of the century, the U.S. Public Health Service conducted experiments on Black prisoners suffering from pellagra, which is a B-13 or niacin deficiency leading to sensitivity to sunlight skin lesions, dementia and death. In 1945, 53-year-old truck driver, Ebb Cabe, was injected with plutonium by the U.S. Atomic Agency after he was taken to the hospital and kept there for six months following a car accident. Cabe received 40 times the amount of plutonium—the key ingredient for a nuclear bomb—a typical person is exposed to over the course of a lifetime. He died eight years later of heart failure.

During the 1950s, the CIA and the U.S. military released half a million mosquitoes with yellow and dengue fever into Black Florida communities, leading to multiple illnesses and deaths. The government wanted to assess the use of mosquitoes as military weapons. Also in that decade, Henrietta Lacks became the first test subject on cloning, without her knowledge or permission, with 20 tons of her cells grown since her death.

During the 1950s and 1960s, poor Black St. Louis neighborhoods were used in Cold War experiments in which the Army, using aerosol blowers mounted on vehicles and rooftops, sprayed a radiation-laced toxin called zinc cadmium sulfide, a fluorescent powder. Thousands likely inhaled the toxins.

In the 1990s, children in Los Angeles were injected with an experimental measles vaccine unapproved by the FDA, and one which had developed a bad reputation for increasing high death rates in Haiti, Guinea Bissau and Senegal.

Between 2006 and 2010, 148 female prisoners in two California prisons—the majority Black and Latino— were sterilized without their consent. Meanwhile, Israel subjected African immigrant women to mandatory contraceptive injections of Depo-Provera, leading to a 20 percent birth rate decline for Ethiopian Israelis.

In 2000, federally funded researchers placed sludge from a sewage treatment plant on lawns and vacant lots in Baltimore and East St. Louis. The communities were told the toxic waste was safe. And in 2012, at least 500 children in Chad were given MenAfriVac—whose side effects include convulsions and paralysis— without notification or parental consent.
In addition, the CDC hid evidence that Black babies had more than triple the chance of developing autism if they were given an experimental measles vaccine before the age of three.

For years, the Black community has warned of conspiracies against their communities, and were told they were neurotic and imagining things. But as the latest news from the Pentagon shows us, these conspiracies are not theories but reality.

By David A. Love

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 30 at 2015 8:22 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 08:22:46 -0400

Interesting question. Part of me says yes they should be. Yet, when I think about things, weren't we all that served used as guinea pigs in one way or another?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 8:23 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 08:23:51 -0400

Yes, yes they should. The should start right now filing claim- for those who are still alive. They should hire lawyers. They should contact their state reps. This makes me sick.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 8:40 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 08:40:52 -0400

How does one put a price on this?
I think that there should be a fund set up for this purpose for those still alive, and an appropiate system for those who passed away from these "tests".

I understand that the author has compiled a list of anecdotes, some proven or admitted, others rumored. Some of these tests were voluntary, back when we didn't know better, and military personnel subjected to these tests were given a hazard pay.

I for one am grateful that we have moved beyond the point where one could call any of this a good idea. The racial angle is particularly disturbing, as it illustrates a devaluation of those people.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jun 30 at 2015 9:02 AM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 09:02:05 -0400

A sad chapter in our history. Yes, I think there should be some sort of compensation paid to these men and their survivors. I have no idea on the logistics of such an action but it should be remembered for what it was and something should happen.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 30 at 2015 9:19 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 09:19:41 -0400

Not just black soldiers. I served with men that took part in the nuclear survivability tests; they were in trenches during the drop and then were marched through ground zero to show that it was safe.

Lot of cancer among those troops.

They also experimented with germ warfare by releasing mild bugs that were specifically identifiable off shore and then checking with the hospitals to see how far they had spread.

They also paid for ranchers' losses when their entire herds died mysteriously, although they did not admit to any responsibility.

A lot of things were done when we were under threat from WWIII that we wouldn't do today (I think).

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 30 at 2015 9:24 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 09:24:12 -0400

I agree with 1SG Private RallyPoint Member, how do you put a price on the damage done? You can't undo it and yes you could set up a fund to payout some damages but will that be enough or will Al Sharpton be bringing out the band wagon for everyone to jump on so that no matter what is offered it will not "appear" to be enough? We've learned from it and hopefully aren't doing this to anyone anymore so lets move on.

Look at the type of tests early astronauts had to go through before we new anything about space travel. Granted they weren't exposed to chemicals (that we know of) but look at all the physical and psychological stress tests they had to endure in the name of scientific advancement.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 30 at 2015 9:33 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 09:33:15 -0400

Like any other militar duty, it was in the line of service. If they contracted illness they should be compensated if it is proven and legit. Backpay should also be granted.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jun 30 at 2015 9:48 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 09:48:52 -0400

WOW, Thats all I got!

Response by SFC Jeff L. made Jun 30 at 2015 10:07 AM

SFC Jeff L. — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:07:11 -0400

Yes, they or their closest living relative should be compensated. Experimental medical testing doesn't exclude anyone though. Do a web search for "Gulf War Syndrome." Heck, when I went to basic training we were given immunizations cocktails and pills that we were told to "just take it." Remember the "anthrax vaccines?" Yeah, what happened in the scnarios mentioned in the article were bad and shouldn't have happened. It also doesn't necessarily need to be looked back at through the lens of race. There have been thousands of experimental lobotomies and other surgeries on mental patients irrespecitve of race. If you want to talk about injustice being done to our black citizens you have to look no further than Margaret Sanger and The Negro Project.

If something bad happens to someone why do people focus on the race of the people involved? Does the race of the victim/perpetrator make all the difference? It's just people. Plain and simple. Buying into the politics of division does not further our cause as a Nation.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 10:16 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:16:39 -0400

SFC Davis--of course, although no amount of compensation is good enough; and same for anyone else who was exposed regardless of race. No one should be in an experiment without their informed consent.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 30 at 2015 10:53 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 10:53:49 -0400

While this is a sad case for some reason I was reminded of Madame Curie who "discovered the radioactive substances of radium and polonium in Paris, France. She was the first to isolate pure radium, and was world renowned as the leading expert on radiation." She died at age 66, ... due to aplastic anemia brought on by exposure to radiation while carrying test tubes of radium in her pockets during research, and in the course of her service in World War I mobile X-ray units that she had set up."
I understand that mustard gas and lewisite were known to be harmful. The experiment remands me of how the Nazi's experimented on concentration camp inmates to see how long they would survive in freezing water and other types of exposure ostensibly to help their own pilots.
I hope that the VA has already been treating any of those soldiers who were exposed. If not that would be a travesty.
As far as compensation for the few victims that are probably still alive and the descendants, I would recommend using calculations similar to the compensation paid to the descendants of those who died in NAZI concentration camps and were killed in NAZI extermination camps. I am not sure what compensation was paid to the Japanese Americans who were in internment camps. That could also be a model but I think the compensation to victims of the Nazis is a better fit.
As is always the case, where the money will come from is a significant issue. It would be nice if some of the very rich who support various issues with $millions could be moved upon to set up a fund.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 30 at 2015 1:33 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 13:33:08 -0400

Is money the answer? Will compensation fix this? I know it may not be appropriate to answer a question with a question, but I can't get past the point that sometimes people think that money is the answer! I think that it is totally wrong to mislead or lie to someone else and my guess is there would have been enough volunteers if they had been truthful in most or all of these cases. When people know the reason is to benefit mankind, they are more likely to support a cause that is bigger than themselves. It's the reason most of us joined the military in the first place - yes - you COULD die - but it's better than watching it fade away! Maybe it's just me?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 30 at 2015 3:18 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:18:03 -0400

Hell yes they should be compensated! I am not sure how it is actually done, to bring these Soldiers some peace of mind and comfort in their aging days.

COL Private RallyPoint Member, this is a vulgar and disgusting chapter in our history that we cannot get a do-over in, it is done and was done across multiple racial lines to include White Soldiers (which was the control group - how they measured the baseline) to include Black, Japanese-American and Puerto Rican Soldiers. Not something to be happy about.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Jul 1 at 2015 12:44 AM

COL Ted Mc — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 00:44:13 -0400

As with any soldier who suffered adverse results of the deliberate actions of the US military they should be fulsomely, promptly, and publicly compensated for the injuries done to them by their own government.

Where the government DID NOT obtain informed consent, then the general rules for calculating damages in tort actions should also apply (i.e. payments for punitive and exemplary damages as well as general and special damage compensation).

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 1 at 2015 7:08 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 07:08:18 -0400

By all means they should receive compensation, and not just VA disability. The US government knowingly exposed these men to chemicals that later led to disease.

We compensate survivors and family members of things that weren't even the US government's fault, like the German Holocaust or the 9/11 attacks (that one is debatable but that's a discussion for a different thread)! So of course we should compensate them for things that we did!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 2 at 2015 6:08 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 18:08:22 -0400

If they're living and have problems, sure.

Their great(x5)grand children....not so much.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2015 7:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 19:34:16 -0400

very sad... man's inhumanity to man

Response by PO3 Sharon Hunt made Jan 21 at 2017 9:57 AM

PO3 Sharon Hunt — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 09:57:00 -0500

My uncle was experimented on during the Vietnam war. It really messed him up. He had severe health issues for the rest of his life and this was the ultimate ,contributing factor of his early death. My ex husband was exposed to chemicals during Iraq war, which they denied ,for years ,that it happened. He ended up with cancerous brain tumor and other issues health issues that caused his early death. They both were white. Lots of 'mistakes' have been made over the years. Horrible ones. Relying on the press to care about anything other than getting a 'sensational' story FIRST, Is not going to happen. The facts aren't relevant anymore..It's all about ratings, reality tv and being first.. not the best or truthful.
As for compensation, who can or will determine what a person's health, livelihood or life are worth?
We can't go back and change history .Nor should the people of today have to continually Be held accountable for mistakes made before they were born.We all would like to think we would have done better. Have been better. Hopefully ,we would have.
All we can do NOW is strive to be better, help those who need it,learn from past mistakes, and actively try to make things better, for everyone.
I am so very sorry that any of our military (or other persons) suffered as a result of experimentation , war or serious illness. I, in NO way, wish to diminish your , nor your family's , pain or suffering as a result of these things.
God bless you all.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 24 at 2018 5:26 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 17:26:15 -0400

Yes, but you Know the Gov't- they promise a lot and do little- look at the Indians and all the other minorities.