Out of the 227 survivors of the SS Dorchester, the Comanche saved 93 of them. After his death, Charles David Jr. and several other crewmen were awarded the highest noncombat awards in the Navy: the Navy and Marine Corps Medals. David was also recognized by President Johnson through a certificate issued to his widow. Years later, the Immortal Chaplains Foundation awarded David their prestigious Prize for Humanity. David is also honored with a display by the chapel at the Coast Guard Station in Cape May.
Last weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard commissioned a new fast response cutter the Charles David Jr., which is now docked in the key west. His family was present for the ceremony.
Little Known Black History Fact: Charles David, Jr. was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
