The Golden Thirteen: How Black Men Won the Right to Wear Navy Gold

by Dan Goldberg

The inspiring story of the 13 courageous Black men who integrated the U.S. Navy during World War II—leading desegregation efforts across America and anticipating the civil rights movement. Featuring previously unpublished material from the U.S. Navy, this little-known history of forgotten civil rights heroes uncovers the racism within the military and the fight to serve. Through oral histories and original interviews with surviving family members, Dan Goldberg brings thirteen forgotten heroes away from the margins of history and into the spotlight. He reveals the opposition these men the racist pseudo-science, the regular condescension, the repeated epithets, the verbal abuse and even violence. Despite these immense challenges, the Golden Thirteen persisted—understanding the power of integration, the opportunities for black Americans if they succeeded, and the consequences if they failed. Until 1942, black men in the Navy could hold jobs only as cleaners and cooks. The Navy reluctantly decided to select the first black men to undergo officer training in 1944, after enormous pressure from ordinary citizens and civil rights leaders. These men, segregated and sworn to secrecy, worked harder than they ever had in their lives and ultimately passed their exams with the highest average of any class in Navy history. In March 1944, these sailors became officers, the first black men to wear the gold stripes. Yet even then, their fight wasn’t white men refused to salute them, refused to eat at their table, and refused to accept that black men could be superior to them in rank. Still, the Golden Thirteen persevered, determined to hold their heads high and set an example that would inspire generations to come. In the vein of Hidden Figures, The Golden Thirteen reveals the contributions of heroes who were previously lost to history.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much great history! I am ashamed to have to acknowledge that I served in the U.S. Navy and I had never the story of these great men. Their sacrifice and contribution served as steps for not just black men and women but for all minorities. The book does an excellent job of conveying their hardships and struggles. The writing is easily consumable, informative, and funny.

[Mhorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, heart wrenching book

An excellent, well written, enjoyable and, as a veteran, anger (for the treatment these men, US citizens) and amazement at how they overcame the crass, unfair, terrible yarn treatment at the hands of fellow citizens just because their skin was darker. I said heart wrenching, but it's also enlightening. Totally recommended. Absolutely.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and well told story of the first black naval officers. It is the story of the 16 that took the training and the 13 that became the first black officers that set the stage for those that came after them.

This is told through the lives of those sailors and those that worked to make it happen and succeed.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.

Without knowing ones history, one cannot not determine ones future. This was an excellent book and an even more enjoyable read. I was in tears and smiles all at once. I can’t wait to rest on the shoulders of these great men!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important and inspiring history lesson.