Vietnam War Soldier (African-American Soldiers) [Library Binding]

Neil Super (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: African-American Soldiers

Focuses on the experiences of African-American soldiers in the Vietnam War, experiences that reflected and amplified the struggle for civil rights in America during this same time period.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-Pfeifer chronicles the life of the first African American to graduate from West Point. Born a slave, Flipper had loving parents who wanted their son to receive a good education. His years of loneliness mixed with the insults he received at West Point are well detailed, and the circumstances that led to his dishonorable discharge from the army in 1881 are clearly explained. The almost 100-year attempt to have this discharge changed to an honorable one is discussed. Super takes a close look at African American men and women from all branches of the services who served with distinction in the Vietnam War. He shows that they were less likely to be promoted and awarded medals, and that they were more likely to receive disciplinary action. This volume also discusses black veterans who made a successful transition to civilian life, and those who, for many reasons, could not. Both books are illustrated with numerous clear black-and-white photos.
Rick Moesch, Hamburg Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

African-Americans have fought in all this country's wars, and have always had to battle racism as well as the enemy; Super shows how Vietnam was a particularly bitter experience for them--made physically more dangerous by ingrained prejudice in the military, and rendered more of an inner trial by its aftermath and by the rising expectations fostered by the civil-rights movement. Despite a large cast of named participants, plus telling statistics and examples of discrimination and of heroism under fire, the book is more analytical than anecdotal, emphasizing the fact of racism over its specific manifestations. Super closes by pointing out that black veterans still suffer much higher rates of homelessness and unemployment than their white counterparts, and share a general sense that even now their contributions to the war are only beginning to be appreciated. Most useful as a source for middle- grade reports. Small selection of dark b&w photos; perfunctory bibliography; index. Another new entry in the African American Soldiers series, Kathryn Browne Pfeifer's Henry O. Flipper (ISBN: 0-8050-2351-8) covers the unhappy career of West Point's first black graduate. (Nonfiction. 10-12) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 80 pages
• Publisher: 21st Century; 1st edition (December 9, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805023070
• ISBN-13: 978-0805023077
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,718,659 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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