St. Louis, Missouri natives, Bernard and Ben Shanker, entered the Home in 1929 and were discharged in 1935 and 1941, respectively. Their sister, Mildred, born in Baltimore, was discharged in 1936.

Both Bernard and Ben served in WWII in the Navy, including time in the Pacific Theater. Gunnery Officer Ben Shanker, as shown in the 1944 photo, was the youngest and newest officer assigned to the USS PC 1264, one of two experimental ships that paved the way for the racial desegregation of the Navy, the last branch of the military to do so. Ben’s contributions aboard the ship were chronicled by Eric Purdon in his 1972 book, Black Company: The Story of Subchaser 1264.

Ben Shanker also was one of thirteen inspiring Oklahomans who overcame obstacles in life to achieve great success and whom journalist Tom Lindley profiled in his 2016 book, Opening Doors. As Lindley wrote, “A Jewish boy who grew up in an orphanage in New Orleans, Benjamin Shanker was selected by the Navy in World War II for a vital mission – to help desegregate the first vessel in the fleet. The dedication and humility he brings to every undertaking has made him a cherished role model for family, friends and colleagues.”

Ben Shanker died in 2022 at age 98. Read his obituary here.