Fagen: An African American Renegade in the Philippine-American War

In 1898, the US sent troops to suppress the Filipino struggle for independence, including three regiments of African American Buffalo Soldiers. David Fagen, a twenty-year-old private, deserted to join the Filipino guerrillas and led daring assaults and ambushes against his former comrades. His name became famous in the Philippines and African American community, but his military achievements, personal history, and fate have remained a mystery. Michael Morey's book tracks Fagen's life from his youth in Tampa to his career as a guerrilla officer, challenging the supremacist assumptions of the time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press

In 1898, amidst a turbulent era characterized by racial unrest at home and imperial expansion abroad, the United States dispatched its troops to suppress the Filipino struggle for independence. Among these troops were three regiments of the renowned African American Buffalo Soldiers, including a twenty-year-old private named David Fagen. Fagen, driven by a sense of duty and a desire for freedom, deserted to join the Filipino guerrillas.

As a guerrilla officer, Fagen led daring assaults and ambushes against his former comrades and commanders, who relentlessly pursued him without success. His name became legendary in the Philippines and within the African American community, symbolizing bravery and resistance against oppression.

The contours of Fagen's legend have been familiar to the public for over a century, but the intricacies of his military accomplishments, personal journey, and ultimate fate have remained shrouded in mystery. Until now.

In his book, "The Renegade: The Life and Wars of David Fagen," Michael Morey embarks on a captivating journey to unravel the enigmatic life of this young renegade. Drawing from a wealth of primary sources and extensive research, Morey paints a vivid portrait of Fagen's life, from his humble beginnings as a laborer in a phosphate camp in Tampa to his tumultuous sixteen months in the army.

Morey's narrative seamlessly weaves together Fagen's military history with the broader political and social context of the time. He explores the racial tensions and prejudices that permeated American society during the late 19th century, particularly in the military, where African American soldiers faced discrimination and segregation. Fagen's decision to join the Filipino guerrillas was a direct response to these injustices, as he sought to fight for the independence and rights of a people oppressed by colonialism.

Through his meticulous research, Morey sheds light on Fagen's remarkable career as a guerrilla officer. He details the daring missions he led, the strategies he employed, and the hardships he endured as he battled against the Spanish colonial forces. Fagen's bravery and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds are truly awe-inspiring, and his story serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of resistance.

However, Fagen's journey was not without its challenges. He faced betrayal and isolation from his former comrades, who saw him as a traitor for deserting to the enemy. Despite this, Fagen remained steadfast in his commitment to the Filipino cause, and his determination to fight for freedom and justice drove him forward.

In the end, Fagen's legacy remains a complex and multifaceted one. He was a hero to the Filipino people, who revered him as a symbol of resistance and bravery. He was also a controversial figure within the African American community, as some saw his actions as a betrayal of his race and his country.

"The Renegade: The Life and Wars of David Fagen" is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the life and achievements of this remarkable young man. Michael Morey's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in history, military, and the struggle for social justice.

In conclusion, David Fagen's story is a testament to the power of resistance and the indomitable human spirit. His decision to desert to join the Filipino guerrillas in 1898 was a bold and courageous act that challenged the supremacist assumptions of the time. Through his military achievements and personal journey, Fagen became a symbol of hope and inspiration for people around the world. Michael Morey's book "The Renegade: The Life and Wars of David Fagen" provides a comprehensive and insightful account of this remarkable young man's life, shedding new light on his military accomplishments, personal history, and ultimate fate. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, military, and the struggle for social justice.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780299319403