American Patriots, Gail Buckley
American Patriots, Gail Buckley
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American Patriots
The Story of Blacks in the Military From the Revolution to Desert Storm (PART 1 OF 1)

Author: Gail Buckley

Narrator: Robert Stuart

Unabridged: 15 hr 4 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/27/2003


Synopsis

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Dru on January 24, 2009

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......more


Quotes

“A triumphant American success story.”
—Stephen E. Ambrose

“A remarkable human drama, one of struggle, betrayal and ultimate redemption . . . Buckley has written a book to fill a significant gap in our history.”
The New York Times

“A mine of powerful anecdotes, characters and forgotten history. You can open American Patriots practically anywhere and find yourself fascinated.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“With their blood and courage, they lift us all up. . . . A fascinating, stirring and important book.” —Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down

“A compulsive and humbling history of nobility in the face of American prejudice, and courage in the face of America’s enemies. Buckley writes with grace and authority—and an almost unearthly restraint.” —John le Carré


Awards

  • Robert F. Kennedy Book Award