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

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The history of blacks in the US military is long and distinguished. AMERICAN PATRIOTS tells of this history from the Revolution through the French and Indian War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf; each war that blacks have fought in forming a chapter of the book. It is a history of contrasts. In many battles blacks were required to prove their bravery and patriotism - which they did - and duly earned respect. Yet at the same time they were prevented from showing leadership - an ability which they have always possesed. So as with the history of blacks in America, AMERICAN PATRIOTS is a story about pride, courage, belief in country, and at the same time, a struggle against prejudice and discrimination. A war on two fronts. There have been many injustices:

> During the Civil War black Union soldiers were required to pay for their uniforms while white soldiers received a subsidy.

> During WWII the military demanded "white blood only" for its white soldiers. Great care was taken to ensure that the blood supply was segregated.

> At military camps, during entertainment such as movies, blacks had to sit at the rear, behind prisoners of war.

These are the injustices that were meted out to blacks as a group; at a personal level the unfair treatment wasn't any less, it just stung more. The book mentions the irony that this was taking place in a US military that was getting more integrated. Since President Truman ordered the army desegregated in 1948 there has been an increasing committment to racial equality in the military. Today blacks make up 12% of the Army's commissioned officers - the same as blacks share of the national population. They also comprise 8% of the generals. Representation equivalent to their contribution and role in society - yes; leadership responsibilities - definitely. Is there any better example of this than Colin Powell?

The book is well written and contains many personal stories of triumph. It prompts the unasked question. Is the war on two fronts now over?

In AMERICAN PATRIOTS, Gail Buckley has given us a gift in the form of a history lesson:the contributions of African Americans in the military. Though long ignored{Spanish American War} or sactified{The 54th Mass. Regiment in the civil war}, this very well written book will serve as a corrective to both. The footnotes are copious,but it is the sidebar stories that linger on: the first black drill instructor in the Marine Corps, the first black general{BENJAMEN O DAVIS} and his travails,Lemuel Haynes,a miltiaman from CT. in the revolutionary war,and others. Nor does Mrs. Buckley skirt over the issue of treatment of soldiers after the wars{the Spanish_American war veterans were particularly horribly treated},nor the rah-rah jingoism of the Gulf war{the much fawned over Norman Schwarzkopf comes off as a meglomaniacal gasbag,in comparison to Colin Powell .George Bush Sr. comes off very well, especially compared to Ronald Reagan}. The old saying of God is in the deatils holds very true here, The modern surprises are in the detailing of the Korean war and Vietnam,where Black soldiers served {and died}in disproportionate numbers. The prose is clean and clear, and Mrs. Buckley never loses sight of what she is trying to do. I do not know who does curriculum in high schools and colleges, this is one volume I would suggest belong in any discussion of American History. HUGELY RECOMMENDED!!!

Here is a subject that is not as widely appreciated as it should be. Hopefully, this book gets as much popular acclaim as Brokaw's "Greatest Generation." "American Patriots" has many strengths, but its few weaknesses prevent its getting an outstanding review.

Keep in mind that there are two agendas at work in this subject: African American history and military history. It is rare to read studies that are compiled with equal passion and competence on both subjects. I suspect that the author's (and the editor's) competencies were stronger on the African American studies side of the equation, but having said that, let me add that this book's treatment of miltary, political, and social histories are usually well-researched and presented.

The positives: The text is tremendously readable. The reader is transported chronologically through over 225 years of American history, with broad, scene-setting discussions of culture and politics that form the backdrop for individual's stories. Great effort was made to properly cite facts. An unexpected plus is the inclusion of new information (having nothing to do with African Americans) that are not commonplace in "traditional" history-- one example is the apparent conflict over the use of Nationalist Chinese troops in the Korean War.

The negatives are few but troublesome. Not once, but twice, Buckley refers to Gen. Jimmy Doolittle as commander of the Flying Tigers (in fact: Gen. Claire Chennault commanded the Flying Tigers; Doolittle commanded the carrier-launched B-25 raid on Tokyo in April 1942). Also, Fred V. Cherry's Korean War fighter plane is described as a "F89G" (in fact: a Republic F-84G). Occasional errors in equipment designations are forgivable, but the mis-read on Doolittle is something that even casual military historians will catch. When such basic errors exist, it casts doubt on the "new" information that this book presents.

My concern is that unsympathetic reviewers will use the innaccuracies as an excuse to dismiss this volume as "revisionist history." The actual history, which this book takes great strides to portray, does not deserve that. Discipline and excellence, the qualities that which Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. expected from his subordinates, are what this subject's research and presentation deserve.

The biggest problem with history is that we only get what has been reported through the social and political filters of those who write and publish it. One of the challenges we currently face is the division of American history from African-American history. This book, which describes the contributions and sacrifices of Americans of African descent should be read by everyone who wants to learn about our national heroes. As an American who has served in the military for almost 30 years, I was captured by Ms Buckley's narrative. At the same time, I am frustrated that it has taken until now for these stories to be told. These are tales of great men who have excelled against incredible hardship. It is important to remember that for the last 50 years, the military has made terrific progress in correcting the discrimination that is described in this book. The journey is not complete, but we are on our way. Read this book and share it with a young person who needs heroes.

Gail Buckley's extensively researched and lengthy book flows from page to page as it chronicles the Black soldier from the earliest beginnings of the Colonial era to the frontlines of Viet Nam to the dusty corridors of the Persian Gulf. Names, familiar and unknown, are introduced and profiled with ease by the author. The prejudices and biases endured by these gallant men and women make their respective stories an inspirational journey into the human spirit and willingness to overcome.

A few photographs are found mid-length and provide the reader with a view of the heroes/heroines mentioned in the text. This is a book for the history/sociology buff as well as those that have an interest in the American military.

I find it a shame that more have not read or reviewed it. If one more can be inspired to purchase the book, then I, as a reviewer, have done my job.

Extremely informative historical piece of writing laid out in an interesting and chronilogically easy to follow format. Excellent book that was well researched with lot of cross references to historical events, places and figures. Writer Gail Buckley did outstanding job of providing historical contexts to her research with the more "infamous" figures in our country's history. This is the type of history book that I painfully missed in my education of our country and military. A must read for anyone wanting a more expansive and "complete" view of the "forgotten american's" contributions to our military's history/success, fight for personal democracy, justice and equality.

There are not many pieces of work detailing the African American's contribution in the military, but Ms Buckley's work "American Patriots" is good. As an ex-military that served during Desert Storm, it did me proud to read how we as a people served, sometimes in the most terrible and racist of conditions, and give their best to a nation that didn't treat them favorably in return. I am sorry that there were some mistakes in there(human error) I didn't know, but am glad someone took the time to give proper credit. Despite of it, I wouldn't dismiss the whole work as revisionist. Someone took the time to tell the story of how we served admirably for this country, and we can read it. I agree that it should be in the schools for our children to read and every library within this country's paremeters should own a copy.

I've always been interested in military history, but as a white kid growing up in South Carolina in the 70s and 80s (born in '69) I've witnessed many changes in racial outlooks and perspectives and have gained an appreciation for the contribution of blacks in the US military as well. I've read other books on the subject, but none so comprehensive. It reads as a mini history not just of blacks in the United States, but the country as a whole. The author uncovers many stories that have seldom if ever been widely told and elaborates on those that have been previously known.

I have long been of the mind that the real leaders - initiators, even - of the modern civil rights movement were the black soldiers who fought in World War 2 - who fought two enemies, one domestic and one foreign - and who fought with honor, skill, pride and selflessness. This book simply strengthened that belief. I do not believe that the Civil Rights movement that began in the late 50s would have succeeded to the degree it did had not these men performed the way they did.

My only negatives with this book were its over-reliance on the story of Colin Powell (you only need to read half or so of his memoirs after reading this book) both in Vietnam and Desert Storm. He's definitely a major player, but the last two chapters - Vietnam and Desert Storm, seemed to be the Colin Powell story more than anything. The other negative was the author's one major instance of political opining, which came late in the book. Casting Republicans or conservatives as "enemies" is unnecessary. While there are those who could be considered "enemies" of Civil Rights, they don't give cause to generalize all. And last her mention of opposition to a Civil Rights Bill in 1990 but without going into any details of why it was opposed or what it was about. Just because it has a good name doesn't mean it's a good bill. But these criticisms do not significantly detract from the overall benefit and enlightenment the book has to offer.

Highly recommended for those interested in military history, US history, and/or civil rights history. Well done!

Often American history has been incomplete when formally presented. The contributions of many Americans in establishing this nation have frequently been minimized, when any recognition is mentioned, or eliminated from public discourse entirely. This book gives a clearer view of the efforts and often sacrifices made by Americans of African descent for the love of their United States of America and in the hope of a better, more equitable country for their children.

The documentation of these historical facts should assure even the most skeptical of reviewers in the accuracy of reflecting these past events and deeds. This book is truly a fuller documentation of American history during the most critical and important times of our nation.

This is story telling and American history at its combined best. Of course, it should be required reading for all highschool and college students. But it should be top of the list, too, for anyone who, like me, thinks that there has never been a greater need for heroes. I cannot recall ever having seen a more inspiring collection of them. Long may this book wave! JEFFREY ROBINSON