Joe Harris, oldest WWII paratrooper who paved way for Black soldiers, dies at 108

Los Angeles Times - Apr 6th, 2025

Sgt. Joe Harris, a distinguished member of the U.S. Army's first all-Black paratrooper battalion, the 555th, or 'Triple Nickles,' was celebrated at a vibrant funeral service in Compton after passing away at the age of 108. Known for his bravery during World War II, Harris was part of a secretive mission to combat wildfires in the Pacific Northwest, ignited by Japanese balloon bombs. His funeral included full military honors, a World War II Willys Jeep escort, and a military aircraft flyover. Compton Mayor Emma Sharif announced intentions to rename a street after him, highlighting his significant impact on the community.

Harris' legacy extends beyond his military service, having been a pillar in Compton for over six decades. Despite the racial segregation and limitations he faced, Harris served his country with distinction and later worked for the U.S. Border Patrol for nearly 40 years. His story exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of African American soldiers who fought not only against external enemies but also against domestic racial injustices. The community's tribute underscores the need to honor and remember the contributions of units like the Triple Nickles and the individuals who paved the way for future generations.

World War Ii U.S. Army Firefighting Racial Segregation Joe Harris Triple Nickles Black Paratroopers Compton

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a heartfelt and informative tribute to Sgt. Joe Harris, highlighting his contributions as a member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion and his impact on his community. It effectively communicates the significance of his legacy while addressing broader themes of racial equality and military history. The narrative is engaging and clear, though it could benefit from greater transparency and source diversity to enhance the factual accuracy and depth of historical context. Overall, the story succeeds in honoring Harris's life and encouraging reflection on the contributions of minority veterans.

Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of Sgt. Joe Harris's life and his contributions as a member of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion. The factual claims about his age, military service, and role in Operation Firefly are well-supported by historical records. The article accurately describes the battalion's mission and Harris's involvement in it, including his 72 parachute jumps and his subsequent career with the U.S. Border Patrol. However, some claims, such as the exact number of jumps and the specific details of Operation Firefly, could benefit from additional corroboration to ensure precision.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on celebrating Sgt. Joe Harris's life and achievements, providing a positive portrayal of his contributions to the military and his community. While it effectively highlights his role in breaking racial barriers, it could include more perspectives on the broader historical context of the 555th Battalion and the challenges faced by Black soldiers during World War II. Including voices from historians or military experts might offer a more rounded view.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and engaging narrative that effectively conveys the significance of Sgt. Joe Harris's life and legacy. The language is accessible, and the structure logically progresses from his military service to his community impact. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations of military terms and historical context could enhance comprehension for readers unfamiliar with World War II history.

Source quality

The article relies on personal anecdotes from family members and community figures, which adds emotional depth but may lack the authoritative weight of primary sources or official military records. While these sources are credible in providing personal insights, the inclusion of military historians or archival documents would enhance the reliability of the historical claims made regarding Harris's military service.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Sgt. Joe Harris's life, but it lacks explicit disclosure about the sources of specific historical claims, such as the details of Operation Firefly or the exact nature of his military honors. Greater transparency regarding how these facts were verified or sourced would improve the reader's understanding of the basis for these claims.