Proud Warriors Volume 6: African American Combat Units in World War II

During World War II, African Americans served in segregated combat units in the U.S. armed forces, finding opportunities for leadership and making contributions to the war effort. The experiences of these units led to the desegregation of the military in the years following the war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2021
Publisher: University of North Texas Press,U.S.

During World War II, a significant number of African Americans served in segregated combat units within the U.S. armed forces. The majority of these units were found within the U.S. Army, and African Americans played an active role in all branches of the combat arms. They encountered opportunities for leadership that were unparalleled in the rest of American society at the time. Several individuals achieved the rank of field grade officer, and one officer even attained the rank of brigadier general.

Beyond the Army, the Marine Corps initially resisted enlisting African Americans until it was ordered to do so by President Truman in June 1942. As a result, two African American combat units were formed and saw service during the war. While the U.S. Navy initially resisted extending the role of African American sailors beyond kitchens, the crew of two ships eventually became composed exclusively of African Americans.

The Coast Guard became the first service to integrate, initially through two shipboard experiments and later by integrating most of its fleet. Finally, the chapter on air warfare covers the remarkable achievements of the Tuskegee airmen.

Proud Warriors: The Forgotten Heroes of World War II highlights the contributions and sacrifices made by these African American combat units during a time when racial segregation was prevalent in the military. The book argues that their wartime experiences played a crucial role in convincing President Truman to desegregate the military, which ultimately paved the way for greater social and political progress in the United States.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 163 x 236 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781574418392