American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm

by Gail Lumet Buckley, David Halberstam (Foreword)

A dramatic and moving tribute to the military’s unsung heroes, American Patriots tells the story of the black servicemen and women who defended American ideals on the battlefield, even as they faced racism in the ranks and segregation on the home front. Through hundreds of original interviews with veterans of every war since World War I, historic accounts, and photographs, Gail Buckley brings these heroes and their struggles to life. We meet Henry O. Flipper, who withstood silent treatment from his classmates to become the first black graduate of West Point in 1877. And World War II infantry medic Bruce M. Wright, who crawled through a minefield to shield a fallen soldier during an attack. Finally, we meet a young soldier in Vietnam, Colin Powell, who rose through the ranks to become, during the Gulf War, the first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Fourteen years in the making, American Patriots is a landmark chronicle of the brave men and women whose courage and determination changed the course of American history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Race, War

608 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Gail Lumet Buckley is a journalist and the daughter of Lena Horne. Her family history — The Hornes — became an American Masters documentary, and she narrated a documentary on black American families for PBS. She has written for the Los Angeles Times, Vogue, the New York Daily News, and The New York Times. She lives in New York.

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Reviews

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that puts Black Americans back into the martial history of the United States. Given the virulent racism recounted here, both in the military and in civilian life after the wars had been won, I find it amazing that blacks continued to believe in the promise of America.

Ultimately, this is much more a book about great heroism, sterling character, and above all valor and faithfulness in the face of injustice.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book! This book captures history often forgotten about African American Military Service. I consider this a must have for every American household.