In January 1944 sixteen black enlisted men gathered at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois to begin a cram course that would turn them into the U.S. Navy's first African-American officers on active duty. The men believed they could set back the course of racial justice if they failed and banded together so all would succeed. Despite the demanding pace; all sixteen passed the course. Twelve were commissioned as ensigns and a thirteenth was made a warrant officer. Years later these pioneers came to be known as the Golden Thirteen; but at the outset they were treated more as pariahs than pioneers. Often denied the privileges and respect routinely accorded white naval officers; they were given menial assignments unworthy of their abilities and training. Yet despite this discrimination; these inspirational young men broke new ground and opened the door for generations to come.In 1986; oral historian Paul Stillwell began recording the memories of the eight surviving members of the Golden Thirteen. Later he interviewed three white officers who served with and supported the efforts of the men during World War II. This book collects the stories of those eleven men. Introduced by Colin L. Powell; they tell in dramatic fashion what it was like to be a black American.
#2128070 in Books The University of Arkansas Press 1991Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.17 x 6.35 x 9.35l; #File Name: 1557282145268 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Fascinating Family HistoryBy Sarah A. AtkinsI originally purchased this book because its subject; Nathan Sayre; is part of my extended ancestral Sayre family. The book is extremely well researched and well written and provides an up-close look at a relationship that endured for a lifetime between a prominent white citizen and his slave who made a life together in spite of laws that forbade it. It is not a dry historical account but rather a personal story of how this family lived. The book includes photographs of family members as well as the mansion where they lived in Sparta; GA. The mansion has been restored and is still there on Adams Street. I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in genealogy and/or those who are interested in learning about race relations in Georgia as early as the 1820s. The author did a masterful job of researching and recording her family's history. I have purchased multiple copies of this book as gifts and no one has ever been disappointed.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Nectarine SavoyExcellent gift.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Ambigious Lives: Free Women of Color in Rural GeorgiaBy Mary M. HarperThe book was well researched and well written. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the old plantation south or the Sayre or Hunt families.
