Soldiers in service dress uniforms perform a loose drill outside at the 76th Company Camp in Long Beach. A camp structure is visible in the background.
The 76th Chemical Smoke Generator Company was an army unit comprised of African American service members stationed in Long Beach during World War II. Smoke generator companies, part of the military’s Chemical Warfare Service, were stationed near aircraft factories on the West Coast during the war to provide smoke cover in the event of an enemy air attack. The 76th Company was stationed near Douglas Aircraft plant, in or around the area that became Heartwell Park.
Photo taken by Captain Richard Newman, commander of the 76th Chemical Smoke Generator Company, between October 23, 1942 and August 19, 1943. ORIG. IMAGE: 2.75” x 3”, B&W print.
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.