Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewImmortal Valor tells the story of America’s unsung heroes in a moving and insightful narrative. The research is meticulous and detailed, making each character rise up off the page. * Martin J. Dugard, New York Times bestselling co-author of 'Killing Patton' *
The contributions and sacrifices made by African-Americans during World War II were endless, and many times unheralded unless you served alongside and depended on these courageous men in battle. War does not discriminate, but people do. These seven Medal of Honor recipients rose above that prejudice, and this well-written book shares their incredible stories that the public needs to hear. * Tim Gray, Founder and President, The World War II Foundation *
This is the only comprehensive narrative written about the African American Medal of Honor recipients of WWII to date. Extremely well written, with very little personal background on some of these men to work with, Child manages to bring each of these heroes’ stories to life on a personal level. Child carefully reconstructs each recipient’s life prior to his act of valor, demonstrating the character traits that made each an example of integrity, sacrifice and courage. This is a must-read book about seven black soldiers and their bravery at the highest level and the racial injustice that took over four decades to acknowledge. Well done! * Arthur Collins, President, 5th Platoon, the black World War II education and reenactment group *
In
Immortal Valor, Robert Child celebrates the lives of seven men whose valor, personal character, and love of country took them above and beyond the call of duty. We learn not just what they did to earn the Medal of Honor--an honor they were denied for far too long--but who they were as human beings, so that their examples can continue to touch us today. * Edward G. Lengel, Ph.D., Chief Historian, National Medal of Honor Museum *
Immortal Valor tells the story of seven courageous Americans who deeply loved their country at a time when America did not love them back. When it counted most, these men risked their lives in a manner above and beyond the call of duty, proving that patriotism is not defined by skin color, but by a person’s willingness to put cause and comrades first. Robert Child’s inspiring book conveys a valuable lesson to anyone wishing to understand the full extent of the American character. * Gregory J.W. Urwin Professor of History Temple University *
Child is able to mould the emotional and military experiences of each soldier in this novel, allowing the prose to flow easily as we are enraptured in tumultuous and heroic battle scenes. * Aspects of History *
Table of ContentsAuthor’s Note List of Illustrations Introduction PART ONE – CHARLES L. THOMAS Chapter 1: Graduation Day Chapter 2: Last Stop USA Chapter 3: A Hell of Fire
PART TWO – VERNON J. BAKER Chapter 4: The Boy from Cheyenne Chapter 5: The Italian Front Chapter 6: Storming the Castle
PART THREE – WILLY JAMES JR. Chapter 7: A Fifth Platoon Chapter 8: Crossing the Rhine Chapter 9: Into the Lion’s Mouth
PART FOUR – EDWARD ALLEN CARTER JR. Chapter 10: Baptism by Fire Chapter 11: A Mercenary Man Chapter 12: March to the Rhine
PART FIVE – GEORGE WATSON Chapter 13: Picnic at a Hanging Chapter 14: Off to War Chapter 15: Operation
Lilliput PART SIX – RUBEN RIVERS Chapter 16: Black Gold Chapter 17: A New Esprit de Corps Chapter 18: Patton’s Panthers
PART SEVEN – JOHN FOX Chapter 19: Transfer Student Chapter 20: Shipping Out Chapter 21: Give ’em Hell
Epilogue: The Rest of the Story Afterword: The Long Road to Recognition Acknowledgments Appendix Notes Bibliography Index
