Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 17 OF 947

Main Title A fighting force : African-Americans in the military /
Other Authors
Author Title of a Work
Zimmerman, Mort.
Stahl, Norman.
Horan, Don.
Brummel, Bill.
DeHart, Greg.
Cohen, Douglas J.
Dolan, Samuel K.
Rothstein, Andrew.
Dow, Harold.
Werbe, Susan.
Mac, Bernie.
Jackson, Samuel L.
Brigden, Nick.
Publisher The History Channel : A & E Television Networks,
Year Published 2008
OCLC Number 222026286
Subjects African American soldiers--United States--History--20th century ; World War, 1939-1945--Regimental histories--United States ; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--France--Normandy ; African American air pilots--History ; World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, American ; World War, 1939-1945--Participation, African American ; Medal of Honor--African Americans--Biography
Additional Subjects United States--Army Air Forces--Fighter Group, 332nd--History ; United States--Army Air Forces--Fighter Squadron, 99th--History ; United States--Army--Tank Battalion, 761st--History ; United States--Army--Infantry Division, 92nd--History ; United States--Army--African American troops--History ; United States--Army Air Forces--African American troops
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
Modified
Checkout
Status
EJAM BEPAC D810.N4F544 2008 BEPAC Region 3 Library/Philadelphia, PA 09/13/2013
Collation 2 videodiscs (231 min.) : sound, black and white with color sequences ; 4 3/4 in.
Notes
Title from container.
Contents Notes
[1.1]: African American WWII veterans speak with brutal honesty about the prejudice they encountered and the battles they fought during the war. Learn of the remarkable achievements of units like the Tuskegee Airmen, who earned the respect of their German adversaries in the skies over Italy and Sicily, and discover how the advances made in World War II paved the way for the armed forces to become a model of successful integration for the rest of America. [1.2]: Surviving veterans from the 761st Tank Battalion examine the history of how the battalion came to be; the racism they faced, and their courageous service in the European Theater. The 761st Tank Battalion was the first all black tank unit to see combat. Over the course of 183 days on the front, the 761st helped liberate more than 30 towns under Nazi control. Collectively they were awarded 11 Silver Stars, 70 Bronze Stars, 250 Purple Hearts, and a Medal of Honor. And more than 30 years after coming home, the 761st was finally recognized with the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation. [1.3]: This moving documentary pays tribute to the valor and sacrifice of African American soldiers while shedding light on the discrimination and disregard that at times proved more threatening than the rigors of battle. 1.2 million African Americans served in World War II, and although largely forgotten by history, nearly 2,000 of them stormed the beaches of Normandy. The stories of seven of these forgotten heroes are told through dramatic recreations and in-depth intervews. [2.1]: Describes the world of the black aviators who broke down barriers in order to take to the skies. Through period accounts, first-person recollections, and rare photos and footage, follow the difficult journey of African American pilots to secure their rightful place in the U.S. military. Eugene Bullard and Bessie Coleman, the Tuskegee airmen, Frank Peterson are a few of those discussed. [2.2]: No African American soldier was awarded the Medal of Honor during the second World War. In 1993 the Army contracted Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., to research and prepare a study to determine if there was a racial disparity in the way Medal of Honor recipients were selected. Shaw's team researched the issue and, finding that there was disparity, recommended the Army consider a group of 10 soldiers for the Medal of Honor. Of those 10, seven were recommended to receive the award. In October of 1996 Congress passed the necessary legislation which allowed the President to award these Medals of Honor since the statutory limit for presentation had expired. The Medals of Honor were presented, by President William Jefferson Clinton, in a ceremony on 13 January 1997. Vernon Baker was the only recipient still living and present to receive his award. The other six soldiers received their awards posthumously with their medals being presented to family members. Citations: First Lieutenant Vernon J. Baker for extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy; Staff Sergeant Edward A. Carter, Jr. for extraordinary heroism in action on 23 March 1945, near Speyer, Germany; First Lieutenant John R. Fox for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Sommocolonia; Private First Class Willy F. James, Jr. for extraordinary heroism in action on 7 April 1945 near Lippoldsberg, Germany; Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers for extraordinary heroism in action during the 15-19 November 1944, toward Guebling, France; Captain Charles L. Thomas for extraordinary heroism in action on 14 December 1944, near Climbach, France; Private George Watson for extraordinary heroism in action on 8 March 1943.(excerpted from The U.S. Army Center of Military History's Web site).