The African American Soldier

Military history’s hidden figures are given their due in this revealing and moving exploration of the pivotal role of African Americans who risked their lives for their country—even as they fought courageously to become full citizens. A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Lee Lanning covers Black soldiers’ involvement in conflicts from the colonial days through more recent struggles of the 21st century.

From Bunker Hill to San Juan Heights, from France’s muddy trenches to the Persian Gulf’s scorched sands, African Americans have fought fiercely and bravely. They have battled to overthrow British rule, to preserve the union, to safeguard their allies, and to protect democracy. Many have fought for freedom they would never see for themselves, risking their lives for their country and for the right to become full citizens.

In this enlightening account, Michael Lee Lanning explores African Americans’ crucial part in military history over two centuries, beginning in the Revolutionary War and stretching to recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Exploring both notable individual contributions and the role of Black regiments, The African American Soldier pays tribute to the hidden sacrifices and unrelenting valor of those too long overlooked by history.Praise for Lt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Lee Lanning

“Illuminating and much needed.”—Publishers Weekly on The African American Soldier

“A thorough, long-overdue study of black Americans’ contributions during the War of Independence...An important piece of American and African-American history.” —Kirkus Reviews on African Americans in the Revolutionary War

“In this fascinating and enlightening work, military historian Michael Lee Lanning reveals the little-known, critical, and heroic role African Americans played in the American Revolution, serving in integrated units - a situation that wouldn’t exist again until the Korean War, more than 150 years later.” —Revolutionary War Journal on African Americans in the Revolutionary War
 
“A vivid history revealing the extraordinary bravery and crucial roles of blacks in the American military.” —Kirkus Reviews on The African American Soldier

“One of the most honest and horrifying accounts of a combat soldier’s life to come out of the Vietnam War.” —The New York Times Book Review on Vietnam 1969-1970: A Company Commander’s Journal
 
“A well-researched, groundbreaking work that fills a huge gap in the historiography of the Vietnam War.” —The San Francisco Journal on Inside the VC and NVALt. Col. (Ret.) Michael Lee Lanning is the author of 26 nonfiction books on military history, sports, and health. More than 1.1 million copies of his books are in print in fifteen countries, and editions have been translated into twelve languages. He has appeared on major television networks and the History Channel as an expert on the individual soldier on both sides of the Vietnam War. Lanning is a highly decorated veteran whose decorations and badges include The Defense Meritorious Service Badge and The Bronze Star for Valor. He resides in Lampasas, Texas.