Both my father and father-in-law served in the United States Military. John Nolan, my dad was a soldier in the Korean war, and Mayweather Lee did a tour in France during World War II. My sons are U.S. military veterans. The former endured discrimination and subjugation so the latter could serve in a more integrated and inclusive armed service. John and Mayweather rarely discussed their experiences with me. I often tried to get them to tell their stories, resulting in outlines that never materialized into full text. I perceived recalling those times was too painful or embarrassing to narrate. I am grateful for historians devoted to African- American history and civil rights for filling in the blanks. This is the reason I am reading Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad by Matthew F. Delmont, and recommending it to you.

Black soldiers fought duel wars at home and abroad. They were engaged in battles for democracy throughout Europe and the Pacific, while at the same time fighting for their rights on American soil. Delmont recounts the heroic efforts of millions of Black soldiers who joined the Lincoln Brigade volunteers in attempts to stop the spread of fascism in Europe. Black soldiers served in segregated corps and non-fighting units after the attack at Pearl Harbor that drew the United States into World War II, and other wars throughout the Pacific.

Is it fair, honest or sensible, that this country…should continue to bar Negroes from service except in the mess department of the Navy, when at the first sign of danger they so dramatically show their willingness to face death in defense of the Stars and Stripes?

The Pittsburg Courier in Delmont, M.(2022). Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad. p.85.

This is American history told passionately and with great attention to detail about the complexities of serving the United States military as a Black soldier. The story cannot be told without examining the hypocrisy of having to fight for one’s civil and human rights in your own backyard. With in-depth analysis, Delmont rises to the occasion, sharing this history to anyone looking to understand what really happened.

Just now I’m going; To take a Fascist town. Fascists is Jim Crow peoples, honey–– And here we shoot ’em down.

Langston Hughes in Delmont, M.(2022). Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad. p.14.