Oklahoma Man Has Different Spin on Civil Rights

By Darren Brown, News 9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Black History Month is meant to be a time to reflect on the achievements and contributions that black Americans have made throughout history.  Often the focus becomes that of the Civil Rights Movement and the players involved, but sometimes the most important contributions are the ones least celebrated.  

Joel Bradford has seen his share of civil rights issues, starting in the Philippines.  In January of 1945 the new young GI was on his way to China to join up with other forces to fight the Japanese enemy.  He had spent weeks being indoctrinated with all sorts of anti-Japanese propaganda.

"They wanted you to feel like that they were the cause of this problem," Bradford said.  "Get 'em off the face of the earth and everything would be alright."

During his trip, the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, and Bradford's mission changed.  He was sent to help rebuild the Philippines capital of Manila, overseeing a crew of military personnel, civilians and more than 100 Japanese POWs. 

The 18-year-old soldier realized quickly that the three rounds of ammo in his rifle would be of no use if his prisoners were to revolt. 

Bradford sought out a few prisoners who spoke English, intending to instill in them a fear of U.S. authority.  What he found was not only a deference to his authority, but a shared set of ideals.  The prisoners spoke of their families, and their desire to return home soon. 

"You begin to realize that they were just people," said Bradford.  "And you let that hatred that you had kind of fade away." 

The camaraderie that Bradford and his crew shared with his prisoners almost led to disciplinary action.  When it was discovered that soldiers didn't always carry weapons when transporting prisoners, a military order was issued making it mandatory.  Bradford's crew complied, but not in the manner that was intended.

He related one instance where the prisoner of war actually was carrying the weapon.  "He was sittin' there with the weapon between his legs," laughed Bradford.  "That's how comfortable we were with 'em." 

It was back in the states that Bradford, who is black, experienced the full dichotomy of civil rights.  In charge of a military convoy on the way to Ft. Hood, Bradford had the group stop for lunch.  He was more than surprised at the greeting he received.  "Now you can't come in here," Bradford was told.  "You have to come around to the back."  Bradford decided to feed the troops there, while he and his brother drove on to another town to eat.  

Now at 85, Bradford remembers his time with his Japanese prisoners as a learning experience.

"Young people get these ideas in their head and they can be changed easier than older people can," Bradford laughed.

And where Black History Month is concerned, Bradford sees it also as a learning opportunity.  

"Really I don't think too much about it 'til it's brought up," Bradford said.  "But it's good to know where you have come from." 

Learn More about Black History Month:

The Story of Black History Month
A Black History Reading List
Black History Month by the Numbers
President Obama's Proclamation for National African American History Month