One Killed, 6 Hurt in Shenango Row

"One Killed, 6 Hurt in Shenango Row." Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, 12 July 1943.

Shenango, Pa., July 12 -- (AP.) -- One Negro soldier was killed and six others were wounded in an encounter between white and Negro soldiers at Camp Shenango last night, the Army press relations office announced today.

A statement said:
"Friction between white and colored troops which developed at Shenango Personnel Replacement Depot Sunday evening resulted in the death of one colored soldier and the wounding of six others. All the men are being treated at the station hospital."

The statement said:
"A board of inquiry has been appointed by Col. Zim E. Lawhon, post commander, and is making an investigation."

The statement said:
"A dispute arose between white and Colored soldiers at a post exchange about 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

"The troops were addressed by the post commander, who pointed out the serious consequences that might arise in such a situation.

"The soldiers involved in the controversy proceeded to their respective areas. As a precautionary measure, military police were alerted to control traffic and prevent further outbreaks.

"Later, an undetermined number of Colored soldiers forcibly entered a supply building in their battalion area and armed themselves with rifles and ammunition and began firing into an area occupied by white soldiers.

"A colored soldier was wounded and died at 10:47 p.m. in the station hospital. Six other colored soldiers were admitted to the post hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds. Another soldier was treated for cuts and lacerations.