Summary
Throughout much of U.S. history, African Americans motivated by patriotism to serve their country confronted a biased majority for opportunity and recognition. Many of them descendants of enslaved people, Black soldiers and armed service personnel fought in every war in the nation's history and have heroically defended the United States and the liberties of its people. During times of war, Black troops hoped that proving themselves equal to their white comrades in arms would gain them opportunities in civilian life. Although such expectations were often frustrated, the heroism of African Americans was essential to building and guarding the United States and securing all Americans their freedoms.
African Americans in the Military, Fourth Edition, brings to life the inspiring stories of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. An insightful introduction gives readers a historical overview of the roles played by and achievements of African Americans in the military. With concise profiles organized alphabetically, this volume gives readers important biographical essentials-year and place of birth, rank, family information-and then delves into the challenges and major accomplishments of each individual. Every entry contains a further reading list, including Internet sources where appropriate, to help guide readers for more in-depth research. A general bibliography, two appendixes (ranks in the U.S. military and U.S. military decorations), multiple indexes, and approximately 50 black-and-white photographs complement the text.
Profiles include:
- Marcia Anderson: major general who oversaw mobilization training for reserve and national guard personnel in all branches of the armed forces and ensured that those under her command were ready for tours in Afghanistan and Iraq
- Crispus Attucks: first patriot to die in the American struggle for independence
- Margaret E. Bailey: member of the Army Nurse Corps during World War II who later served in postwar Europe and Japan and became the first Black nurse to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel
- Samuel E. Barnes: one of the "Golden Thirteen," the first African-American naval officers
- Mary Elizabeth Bowser: formerly enslaved person who spied in the home of Jefferson Davis during the Civil War
- Eugene Jacques Bullard: American expatriate who fought for France in World War I and became the only Black pilot to serve in the war
- William Goyens: free African American who negotiated with Indigenous groups in the Texas War for Independence
- Alex Haley: the Coast Guard's first chief journalist and author of two landmark books on African-American history: The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Roots.
- Doris Miller: ship's cook third class, hero of Pearl Harbor
- Colin Powell: army general who served as the first African-American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and first African-American secretary of state
- Susie King Taylor: nurse who worked with Clara Barton in the Civil War
- Peter Vogelsang, a Civil War soldier and one of three Black commissioned officers who fought in the famed Massachusetts 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and, though wounded, participated in the siege of Fort Wagner
- Roderick von Lipsey, a fighter pilot during Operation Desert Storm who later served as a director of the National Security Council
- Augustus Walley: Buffalo Soldier, recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Chuchillo Negro Mountains, and veteran of the Spanish-American War
- George Washington Williams: participant in the Civil War and the Indian Wars, later a politician, historian, and diplomat
- and many others.
About the Author(s)
Catherine Reef is a freelance writer who holds a B.A. in English from Washington State University, where she also did graduate work. She is the author of more than 40 books, including many highly acclaimed biographies for young people, as well as African-American Writers, Black Explorers, Africans in America, Working in America, and Childhood in America, all from Facts On File.