The Golden Thirteen: Recollections of the First Black Naval Officers

by Paul Stillwell

In January 1944, 16 Black enlisted men gathered at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois to begin a cram course that would turn them into the US Navy's first African American officers on active duty. The men believed that if they failed they would set back the course of racial justice, so they banded together and all 16 passed the course. Twelve were commissioned as ensigns and a 13th was made a warrant officer.

Years later, these pioneers came to be known as the Golden Thirteen, but at the outset they were treated more as pariahs than pioneers. Often denied the privileges and respect routinely accorded White naval officers, they were given menial assignments unworthy of their abilities and training. Yet despite this discrimination, these inspirational young men broke new ground and opened the door for generations to come.

In 1986, oral historian Paul Stillwell began recording the memories of the surviving members of the Golden Thirteen. He also interviewed three White officers who served with and supported the efforts of these men during World War II. This book collects their stories.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, War

Audible Audio

First published February 1, 1993

Reviews

[John Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Robert Weintraub · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got great insights discussing book with author

[Brendan Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

They should give this to us instead of reef points

[Yeap Naw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome a must read for African Americans

[Nicole Nunes · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book

[Jody Carey]

Written in Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

[Amy Fischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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