What role did African American physicians and nurses play in the struggle to desegregate the United States military during World War II?

African American physicians and nurses raised and sent financial aid to assist in war efforts being supported by the United States. For instance, African American physicians and nurses provided medical supplies and volunteered to treat the wounded after Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia.
African Americans served directly on the battlefront and supported the Abraham Lincoln Brigade sent to assist the left-leaning Republic of Spain. Participation of African Americans in wars abroad against fascism motivated them to continue with their push for justice and equality back home.
The idea of opening two fronts to fight oppression, dubbed the “Double V” campaign, led to public discussions about discrimination in the military program. A push by leaders of the different African American groups led to the passage of Executive Order 8802 by Roosevelt that denounced discrimination in the employment of workers. Steps in the right direction were being made in the civilian sector, but a lot more needed to be done in the armed forces for desegregation.
Physicians and nurses provided their services when needed, especially when shortages were evident in the armed forces. The situation forced the armed forces to do away with segregation of both servicemen and those in the medical field, as confirmed by Truman's Executive Order 9981.
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?doc=84

https://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/samplechapter/0/2/0/5/0205728812.pdf

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