The Golden Thirteen: Recollections of the First Black Naval Officers

by Paul Stillwell

In 1944, 13 men--known as the Golden Thirteen--made history when they became the U.S. Navy's first African-American officers on active duty. Now this courageous group recalls how each fought prejudice to become pioneers in military history--and role models for all African Americans. Photographs. A New York Times "Notable Book" of 1993.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, War

Audiobook

First published February 1, 1993

Reviews

[John Connolly]

As a Naval officer myself, it is easy to see why this book has also been on the CNO's reading list. This is an incredible first person history by the people who lived this history. No matter what your position is in the military please add this book to your reading list.

[Andy]

Discussing this at the Nov. 17 meeting of the Guys Book Club

[Robert Weintraub]

Got great insights discussing book with author

[Brendan Cummins]

They should give this to us instead of reef points

[Yeap Naw]

Awesome a must read for African Americans

[Nicole Nunes]

It was really great to learn about the Golden Thirteen. They were an amazing group of gentleman and their service has made the Navy better. It was amazing to learn about them as a whole person and not just the time in the Navy. It was hard to read about their struggles, however, because of them it has been easier for others (hopefully). This is a great story that more people should know.

[Gail Johnson, Ph.D]

There was no holding back with this book. Black and white Naval personal really spoke their mind about who and how the first Black Naval Officers came to be. There's a lot of surprises in this book. Thank all of you for your service.

[Mike]

The verbal histories make the story personal, but so disjointed and not focused on the specific behaviors in the course which led to their cohesion which I was particularly interested in. One of the other books on the group would have been a better choice.

[Logan]

3.5 stars
A collection of small memoirs with some really interesting stuff in there.
I was a little confused by having just one narrator. Maybe two narrators alternating would have been better. A lot of the stories blended together in my head. The narrator did do a good job though

[Jennifer Edinger]

Enjoyed this book

[Jody Carey]

Written in Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

[Amy Fischer]

Amazing story. Worth the read. A bit dense but eye opening