My Aunt remembered this terrible explosion and a friend of her husband died there in 1944. When I tried to research the worst war disaster to occur in U.S. history, I could not find any information. Finally I found and purchased a video from Marti Aiello, Museum Curator in Pittsburg, CA. Pittsburg is just upstream from Port Chicago. Her viedo documentary gives good information. Also No Share of Glory by Robert Pearson and The Port Chicago Mutiny by Robert L. Allen tell of that terrible day.
I hope the United States of America is sensible enough to recognize each of these men and give each of them that died a Purple Heart and a Medal of Honor to the one fortunate enough to escape. Sincerely, Patti Strain