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

by Gail Lumet Buckley

American Patriots is one of the great untold stories in American history. There have been books on individual black soldiers, but this is the first to tell the full story of the black American military experience, starting with the Revolution and culminating with Desert Storm.

The best histories are about more than facts and events — they capture the spirit that drives men to better their lives and to demand of themselves the highest form of sacrifice. That spirit permeates Gail Buckley’s dramatic, deeply moving, and inspiring book. You’ll meet the men who fought in the decisive engagements of the Revolution, the legendary Buffalo soldiers, and the heroic black regiments of the Civil War. You’ll meet some of America’s greatest patriots — men who fought in the First and Second World Wars when their country denied them access to equipment and training, segregated the ranks, and did all it could to keep them off the battlefield. You’ll meet the heroes of Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm. And you’ll meet two families, the Lews and the Pierces, who have served in every American engagement since the Revolution.

FDR used to say that Americanism was a matter of the mind and heart, not of race and ancestry. With photographs throughout and dozens of original interviews with veterans, American Patriots is a tribute to the black American men and women who fought and gave their lives in the service of that ideal.

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

560 pages, Hardcover

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.