Who is Lieutenant Commander William S. Norman from Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans and what is their importance?

William grows up in Norfolk, Virginia in a neighborhood that abides by the separate but equal policy. He refuses to be bullied or the target of racism although he is not actively involved in civil rights. William goes to college and earns degrees in math and chemistry. He is working as a teacher when he is drafted in 1961. William chooses to go into the Navy.