The Red Ball Express

Overview

The Milford Museum American History Series will celebrate Black History Month with a program titled The Red Ball Express presented by Dante Brizill on Saturday, February 14, 1:00 p.m. at the Milford Public Library in Milford, Delaware. Following the D-Day invasion of World War II, the United States Army and its allies needed a reliable transport service to carry the tons of supplies, food, and munitions needed to equip the troops who were fighting their way across Europe to destroy the German war machine.  Because aircraft was needed for combat duties, truck transportation was the only option available. Taking its name from a 19^th century American priority railroad service known as “Red Ball,” this new mission became known as the Red Ball Express. The drivers for this operation, key to the Allied victory, were almost 75% African American. 

Currently teaching at Polytech High School, Dante Brizill has been a Social Studies educator in Maryland and Delaware for the past 22 years. A Philadelphia native, he has a B.A. in History from Hampton University and a Masters in Education from Wesley College. A published author, he has written a series titled ‘Greatness Under Fire’ that highlights African American heroes of WWII. He has also written articles that have appeared in newspapers around the nation as well as nationally published periodicals.

Sponsored by the Milford Museum, these monthly programs focus on a variety of topics concerning local, state, and national history. These presentations are held on the second Saturday of each month, at 1:00 p.m., in the Milford Public Library. The library is located at 11 S.E. Front Street in Milford, Delaware. For more information, please contact the Museum at (302) 424-1080, [email protected]. These programs are offered through a generous grant from The Delaware Heritage Commission.