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The Fort Dix Stockade Rebellion

Back in the day on June 5th, 1969, the Fort Dix Stockade Rebellion occurred in New Jersey. Exactly forty years ago, more than one hundred imprisoned soldiers rose up against deplorable and inhumane conditions on the base. An important event in the history of the GI Resisters Movement during the Vietnam War, the rebellion successfully took control of a number of buildings in the stockade before being eventually put down. The Army had denied allegations that prisoners had been subjected to abuses at Fort Dix.They also tried to dispel notions that tear gas had been used to quell the rebellion.In the aftermath thirty-eight men, including organizers with the American Servicemen’s Union, were charged with rioting and arson. Dubbed the “Fort Dix 38,” they faced courtmartials and as a result some of the men were sentenced to military prison.

In contrast to the Army’s denials, Joan Crowell chronicled the conditions the prisoners faced, the events of the June 5th rebellion and subsequent trials in the important book titled, “Fort Dix Stockade: Our Prison Camp Next Door.”

For Uprising, this is your truth professa’ saying it’s no mystery why they conceal our people’s history!