Throughout much of the United States's history, African Americans motivated by patriotism to serve their country had to fight against a biased majority for recognition. Many of them descendants of slaves, black soldiers have heroically defended the United States and its liberties in wartime. During times of war, blacks in uniform hoped that proving themselves equal to their white comrades in arms would gain them opportunities in civilian life. Although such expectations were often frustrated, the heroism of African Americans was essential to building and defending the United States. African Americans in the Military brings to life the inspiring stories of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. An insightful introduction gives readers a historical overview of the roles played by and achievements of African Americans in the military. With concise profiles organized alphabetically, this volume gives readers important biographical essentials--year and place of birth, rank, family information--and then delves into the challenges and major accomplishments of each individual. Each entry contains a further reading list, including Internet sources where appropriate, to help guide readers for more in-depth research. A general bibliography, two appendixes (ranks in the U.S. military and U.S. military decorations), two subject indexes (one by branch of service, one by year of birth), a general index, and approximately 50 black-and-white photographs complement the text. Profiles include: Crispus Attucks: first patriot to die in the American struggle for independence Mary Elizabeth Bowser: former slave who spied in the home of Jefferson Davis during the Civil War Eugene Jacques Bullard: American expatriate who fought for France in World War I, the only black pilot to serve in the First World War Samuel E. Barnes: one of the "Golden Thirteen," the first African-American naval officers William Goyens: free African American who negotiated with the Indians in the Texas War for Independence Doris Miller: ship's cook third class, hero of Pearl Harbor Colin Powell: army general, first African-American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, first African-American secretary of state Susie King Taylor: nurse who worked with Clara Barton in the Civil War Augustus Walley: Buffalo Soldier, recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Chuchillo Negro Mountains, veteran of the Spanish-American War George Washington Williams: participant in the Civil War and the Indian Wars, later a politician, historian, and diplomat and many others. Excerpted from African Americans in the Military by Catherine Reef All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
