BLACK FIGHTING MEN: A Proud History

Reminding us that African-Americans have fought in all of our country's wars, Reef (Buffalo Soldiers, 1993) recounts the heroic acts of 14 men from Crispus Attucks to Lonnie Davis, one of the 113,000 black soldiers who fought in the Persian Gulf War. Some were killed in battle, some enjoyed successful careers in and out of the military; most faced discrimination and deeply ingrained prejudice (no Medal of Honor was awarded in this century to an African-American until 1953). The lucid, simply phrased accounts may be sketchy on background detail and subsequent history, but Reef's appreciation for her subjects comes through loud and clear. Scattered b&w photos; bibliography; index.