CA AJR28

Bernard B. James was one of 18 African American soldiers court-martialed in 1944 after protesting racial mistreatment by their white commanding officer in England, resulting in an 18-year sentence later reduced to 13 years.

James was released from prison in 1946 after serving seven months in an English prison and 15 months in a U.S. penitentiary, then returned to active military service in Italy despite the mistreatment.

The U.S. Army never fully pardoned James or the other 17 soldiers, instead listing his discharge record as "Absent without Authority" under Articles of War 107.

California's legislature memorializes the President and Congress of the United States to grant Bernard B. James a full exoneration and clear his military record of any court judgment and less-than-honorable discharge.

The resolution directs the Assembly Chief Clerk to transmit copies to the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and California's federal representatives.