Description
Book SynopsisThe 597th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Division, was the first, last, and only all-black officered direct support field artillery battalion committed to combat in the history of the U.S. Army. It was the first all-black unit in a combat division and, together with the 600th Field Artillery Battalion, constituted the only all-black units in any combat division. Alongside impressive achievements on the battlefield in Italy in 1944–45, the unit provided more key command and staff positions exclusively for black field artillery officers than any other U.S. Army unit in combat, giving combat training and experience to more senior black field artillery officers than any of the other 16 black field artillery battalions during World War II.
Colonel Wendell Derricks worked to shelter his troops from the worst of the racism exhibited during the war and, due to his ability to envision an integrated post-war army, he provided unique leadership opportunities for his senior officers. The alumni of the 597th Field Artillery Battalion have an impressive record of success; many of them were inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame, some served at the Pentagon, including Lieutenant Colonel Clark, and others forged successful career in the civilian world.
Table of ContentsTHE END OF EXCLUSION 1 A Limited Opportunity 2 The Opportunity Expands 3 A Northern Winter in Indiana 4 Camp Robinson, Arkansas 5 Fort Huachuca 6 Louisiana Maneuvers 7 Programmed for Failure BRIDGING THE OBSTACLE 8 The Tide Turns 9 Over There GAINING A FOOTHOLD 10 By the Sea 11 In the Mountains 12 Changes at the Top 13 A New Year and a New Assignment 14 In the Valley 15 Operation Fourth Term 16 The Aftermath 17 On the Move 18 The Enemy Withdrawal Becomes a Rout THE LONG WAY HOME 19 Two Down and One to Go 20 A Special Mission Carried Out from Varazze 21 Preparing for Redeployment 22 Three Down and We had Earned a Trip Home BEYOND DERRICKS’ DIARY 23 Colonel Wendell Derricks 24 Derricks’ Legacy 25 The Race Continues 26 Success
