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 enlarge | Author: Gail Lumet Buckley
Creator: David Halberstam
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Category: Book
List Price: $17.00
Buy Used: $1.74
You Save: $15.26 (90%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 630258
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 608
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 8.1 x 5.1 x 1.3
ISBN: 0375760091
Dewey Decimal Number: 355.00899673
EAN: 9780375760099
ASIN: 0375760091
Publication Date: May 14, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: VERY GOOD CONDITION, CLEAN, NO WRITINGS INSIDE. (STOCK#: NOENN-EC3)
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 6-8 of 8 | | « PREV | | |
This is AMERICAN history! July 30, 2001
12 out of 15 found this review helpful
The biggest problem with history is that we only get what has been reported through the social and political filters of those who write and publish it. One of the challenges we currently face is the division of American history from African-American history. This book, which describes the contributions and sacrifices of Americans of African descent should be read by everyone who wants to learn about our national heroes. As an American who has served in the military for almost 30 years, I was captured by Ms Buckley's narrative. At the same time, I am frustrated that it has taken until now for these stories to be told. These are tales of great men who have excelled against incredible hardship. It is important to remember that for the last 50 years, the military has made terrific progress in correcting the discrimination that is described in this book. The journey is not complete, but we are on our way. Read this book and share it with a young person who needs heroes.
For blacks, the war has always been on two fronts June 3, 2001
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
The history of blacks in the US military is long and distinguished. AMERICAN PATRIOTS tells of this history from the Revolution through the French and Indian War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf; each war that blacks have fought in forming a chapter of the book. It is a history of contrasts. In many battles blacks were required to prove their bravery and patriotism - which they did - and duly earned respect. Yet at the same time they were prevented from showing leadership - an ability which they have always possesed. So as with the history of blacks in America, AMERICAN PATRIOTS is a story about pride, courage, belief in country, and at the same time, a struggle against prejudice and discrimination. A war on two fronts. There have been many injustices:> During the Civil War black Union soldiers were required to pay for their uniforms while white soldiers received a subsidy. > During WWII the military demanded "white blood only" for its white soldiers. Great care was taken to ensure that the blood supply was segregated. > At military camps, during entertainment such as movies, blacks had to sit at the rear, behind prisoners of war. These are the injustices that were meted out to blacks as a group; at a personal level the unfair treatment wasn't any less, it just stung more. The book mentions the irony that this was taking place in a US military that was getting more integrated. Since President Truman ordered the army desegregated in 1948 there has been an increasing committment to racial equality in the military. Today blacks make up 12% of the Army's commissioned officers - the same as blacks share of the national population. They also comprise 8% of the generals. Representation equivalent to their contribution and role in society - yes; leadership responsibilities - definitely. Is there any better example of this than Colin Powell? The book is well written and contains many personal stories of triumph. It prompts the unasked question. Is the war on two fronts now over?
Overdue,exhaustive,and very ,very well doneI May 24, 2001
17 out of 19 found this review helpful
In AMERICAN PATRIOTS, Gail Buckley has given us a gift in the form of a history lesson:the contributions of African Americans in the military. Though long ignored{Spanish American War} or sactified{The 54th Mass. Regiment in the civil war}, this very well written book will serve as a corrective to both. The footnotes are copious,but it is the sidebar stories that linger on: the first black drill instructor in the Marine Corps, the first black general{BENJAMEN O DAVIS} and his travails,Lemuel Haynes,a miltiaman from CT. in the revolutionary war,and others. Nor does Mrs. Buckley skirt over the issue of treatment of soldiers after the wars{the Spanish_American war veterans were particularly horribly treated},nor the rah-rah jingoism of the Gulf war{the much fawned over Norman Schwarzkopf comes off as a meglomaniacal gasbag,in comparison to Colin Powell .George Bush Sr. comes off very well, especially compared to Ronald Reagan}. The old saying of God is in the deatils holds very true here, The modern surprises are in the detailing of the Korean war and Vietnam,where Black soldiers served {and died}in disproportionate numbers. The prose is clean and clear, and Mrs. Buckley never loses sight of what she is trying to do. I do not know who does curriculum in high schools and colleges, this is one volume I would suggest belong in any discussion of American History. HUGELY RECOMMENDED!!!
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