The following pictures show graduation ceremonies at Great Lakes Naval Training Station during World War II.
For additional views of Wartime training and other activities at Great Lakes,
General Views;
Field & Military Training;
Shore Patrol Training;
Recreation and Sports;
Visiting Entertainers, Political Figures and Celebrities

Additional pictorial coverage of African Americans during World War II, African Americans and the U.S. Navy - World War II

For pictorial coverage of other eras, see African Americans and the U.S. Navy

Click photograph for a larger image.

Photo #: 80-G-294844 Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois George Clinton Fields, former Valet to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, graduates as honor man in his class. The original photo is marked as having been received 13 January 1943. It was probably taken in September 1942. The officer is Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 83KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294843 Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois George Clinton Fields, former Valet to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, holds his certificate of graduation, upon completion of his training at NTS Great Lakes. The certificate is dated 14 September 1942. The original photo is marked as having been received 13 January 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 54KB; 575 x 765 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294928 Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Graduation ceremonies for the third class to graduate from the Camp's Service School, 3 March 1943. The officer congratulating the men is Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 87KB; 740 x 610 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294875 Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Four sailors and a young lady at graduation exercises for the fifth class at the Camp's Service School, 29 April 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 100KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294769 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Sailors congratulate each other after receiving certificates at graduation ceremonies for the sixth class of the Negro Service School, 26 April 1943. Note Aviation Metalsmith mark worn on the lower left sleeve of the man at the right. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 71KB; 740 x 610 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294888 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Mrs. Joe Louis, Guest of Honor, congratulates a graduating company recruit petty officer, during graduation ceremonies for an African-American recruit class, 12 July 1943. Note "E" flag at left. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 84KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294885 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Reviewing stand, during graduation parade for African-American recruits, 12 July 1943. Those present in the stand include school commander Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong (saluting, second from left) and guests of honor Mrs. Joe Louis (second from right) and Dr. Will Alexander. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 109KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294930 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong congratulates a sailor, during graduation ceremonies for the eighth class to graduate from the Station's Negro Service School, 22 July 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 84KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-294929 Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois Members of the eighth class to graduate from the Station's Negro Service School pose with a small girl, at graduation ceremonies, 22 July 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 68KB; 740 x 600 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives

For higher resolution images see: Obtaining Photographic Reproductions