African Americans in the Military (A To Z of African Americans)

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. Throughout much of U.S. history, African Americans motivated by patriotism to serve their country had to fight a biased majority to achieve their goal. Black soldiers have heroically defended the United States and its liberties in wartime. In war, blacks in uniform hoped to prove themselves equal to their white comrades in arms and thereby gain opportunities in civilian life. Although such expectations were often frustrated, the heroism of African Americans was essential in building and defending the United States. African Americans in the Military profiles many of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Some African Americans covered 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, Vincent K. Brooks: Chief spokesperson for the U.S. military during the 2003 Iraq War, Eugene Jacques Bullard: The only black pilot to serve in World War I, Mary Ann Shadd Cary: Journalist, teacher, lawyer, and Civil War recruiting officer, Henry Ossian Flipper: First African American to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy, William Goyens: Free African American who negotiated with the Indians in the Texas War for Independence, Doris Miller: Ship's cook, third class, and hero of Pearl Harbor, Colin Luther Powell: Army general, first African-American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and first African-American secretary of state, Suzy Baker King Taylor: Civil War nurse, Augustus Walley: Buffalo Soldier and Medal of Honor recipient, and many others Contents......Page 4 List of Entries......Page 5 Acknowledgments......Page 7 Introduction......Page 8 A......Page 18 B......Page 36 C......Page 64 D......Page 83 E......Page 96 F......Page 102 G......Page 115 H......Page 129 J......Page 145 L......Page 157 M......Page 164 N......Page 166 O......Page 169 P......Page 172 R......Page 185 S......Page 193 T......Page 208 V......Page 220 W......Page 225 Y......Page 242 Z......Page 245 Ranks in the U.S. Military......Page 249 U.S. Military Decorations in Order of Precedence......Page 251 Entries by Branch of Service......Page 252 Entries by Year of Birth......Page 254 Index......Page 256 Catherine Reef. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 230-231) And Index.