From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Brashear, Carl M.
(born: 1931 - died: 2006)Carl Maxie Brashear was born in Tonieville, KY, the son of McDonald and Gonzella Brasher. Carl Brasher was the first African American master diver in the U.S. Navy. Brashear lost the lower part of his left leg in an accident on the USS Hoist; he was the only amputee deep-sea diver to become a master diver. He retired from the Navy in 1979 and settled in Virginia, where he died in 2006. The movie Men of Honor isbased on events in the life of Carl M. Brashear. For more see Carl Brashear website.
