Executive Order 9981 was issued by President Harry S. Truman on July 26, 1948. This historic order called for the desegregation of the armed forces of the United States, marking a significant moment in the civil rights movement and Black history.

At the time, the military was still segregated along racial lines, with African American soldiers serving in separate units and facing discrimination and unequal treatment. Executive Order 9981 aimed to end segregation and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals serving in the armed forces, regardless of race.

This executive order was a pivotal step towards greater equality and civil rights for African Americans, as it challenged the systemic racism that existed in the military and set a precedent for desegregation efforts in other areas of society. The order had a profound impact on the integration of the military and paved the way for further advancements in the fight for civil rights and equality in the United States.