Publisher's Synopsis
"Dr. Robert W. Mullen recounts the hidden history of Blacks in America's wars, from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam, tracing their changing attitudes toward service in the military. For much of the history of Unites States, Blacks hoped that their participation in the armed forces and their heroism and sacrifice on the battle fields would help them win full rights in civilian society. This attitude has changed. Many Blacks now feel they should not have to serve in the military and make battlefield sacrifices for a society in which they do not have full civil and human rights. Dr. Mullen probes the reasons for this shift in attitudes. "A superb book for reading…an excellent reference source as well. The style with which the book was written coupled with meticulous documentation and an exceptional bibliography add a scholarly trait that exceeds that of the mediocre caliber research done on this subject….It accomplishes yet another important chapter in the history of Afro-Americans." -The Journal of Negro History "The changing expectations of blacks who served in U.S. battles…are examined. A low-key militant view of the shaping of black attitudes." -Booklist "The account still makes plain the "Use them now, Drop them later" policy of the U.S. government towards its black semi-citizens in times of international trouble."-The Black Scholar"
