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William Harvey

Released
Gender:Male
Race:Black
Era:1960s
State:California
Address:20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92058
Support
Anti-War
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Biography

William Harvey was a Black marine imprisoned, along with George Daniels, for his opposition to the Vietnam War. In December 1967, the military convicted Harvey of "disloyal statements" and Daniels for "advising, urging and attempting to cause insubordination, disloyalty and refusal of duty." When the imprisonment of Harvey and Daniels became known through the American Servicemen's Union, nearly a year after their incarceration at Camp Pendleton, the significance of the case was immediately evident. Harvey and Daniels had not been convicted of any act, but had been given 6 to 10 years at hard labor for their words alone. It was also clear that the "crime" was not simply opposition to the U.S. war in Vietnam; the underlying reason for the officers' seemingly harsh reaction was Harvey's and Daniels' defense of their nation, the people of Black America.

Case

Camp Pendleton (military confinement)
Charges: Making disloyal statements
Incarcerated: December 1967
Sentence: Black Marine convicted in December 1967 of 'disloyal statements' for privately opposing the Vietnam War. Sentenced to about 6 years (6 to 10 years) at hard labor, held at Camp Pendleton, for words alone. Verdict as recorded: Yes — convicted by court-martial (Dec. 1967)
Convicted: Yes
Institution State: California