Wesley Anthony Brown, born April 3, 1927 in Baltimore, Maryland, became the first African-American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy in May 1949. Five other black men had been admitted before him but never finished due to extensive hostility. Brown also faced hostility but did not leave.
He served for twenty years in the US Navy and participated in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Brown retired in June 1969 as lieutenant commander.
Brown passed away in Silver Spring, Maryland in May 2012. The Wesley Brown Field House at the US Naval Academy is named in his honor.
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