Half American

The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad

By: Matthew F. Delmont

Narrated by: William DeMeritt

• Winner of the 2023 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in Nonfiction

• A New York Times Notable Book

• A Best Book of the Year from TIME, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Washington Independent Review of Books, and more!

The definitive history of World War II from the African American perspective, written by civil rights expert and Dartmouth history professor Matthew Delmont

“Matthew F. Delmont’s book is filled with compelling narratives that outline with nuance, rigor, and complexity how Black Americans fought for this country abroad while simultaneously fighting for their rights here in the​ United States. Half American belongs firmly within the canon of indispensable World War II books.”—Clint Smith, #1 New York Times bestselling author of How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

Over one million Black men and women served in World War II. Black troops were at Normandy, Iwo Jima, and the Battle of the Bulge, serving in segregated units and performing unheralded but vital support jobs, only to be denied housing and educational opportunities on their return home. Without their crucial contributions to the war effort, the United States could not have won the war. And yet the stories of these Black veterans have long been ignored, cast aside in favor of the myth of the “Good War” fought by the “Greatest Generation.”

Half American is American history as you’ve likely never heard it before. In these chapters are stories of Black heroes such as Thurgood Marshall, the chief lawyer for the NAACP, who investigated and publicized violence against Black troops and veterans; Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., leader of the Tuskegee Airmen, who was at the forefront of the years-long fight to open the Air Force to Black pilots; Ella Baker, the civil rights leader who advocated on the home front for Black soldiers, veterans, and their families; James Thompson, the 26-year-old whose letter to a newspaper laying bare the hypocrisy of fighting against fascism abroad when racism still reigned at home set in motion the Double Victory campaign; and poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a war correspondent for the Black press. Their bravery and patriotism in the face of unfathomable racism is both inspiring and galvanizing. In a time when the questions World War II raised regarding race and democracy in America remain troublingly relevant and still unanswered, this meticulously researched retelling makes for urgently necessary listening.

©2022 Matthew Delmont (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"This vivid book shows how much of World War II looks different when viewed from the perspective of Black Americans—many of whom drew parallels between the fascist threat abroad and Jim Crow at home."—New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice

"Delmont is an energetic storyteller, giving a vibrant sense of his subject in all of its dimensions."—Jennifer Szalai, New York Times

“This book not only details historical wrongs committed against the black press, it ardently honors the sacrifice of black Americans who served in World War II."—Wall Street Journal

No words

I had no words listening to this (in a good and sad way). Not realizing the level of racism that happened while defending your own country, goes without saying.

History leaves out a lot of things - what happened to these people should NOT be one of them.

Eye opening.

So painful …

…yet so important for every American to be exposed to this strikingly well organized explanation of black history in our country during the first half of the twentieth century.

A Must Read

This book provides readers with the often hidden truths of our past and its connection to the present. Well done.

Great Book

This should be required reading for all Americans. We must honor the sacrifices of Black Americans who fought in World War II.

Truly insightful, well written.

I know and teach history, however, this book exposed much more personal details from veterans, their families, and the imbedded war correspondent. I’m blown away.

A Shocking Revalation

An absorbing book. The author reveals the outrageous discrimination that Black soldiers faced during and after WW 11.

A must read for everyone

This book tells a sad story of white racism during WW11 and beyond. It should be a must read for all.

Half American is a must read

This is one of the most compelling books I have read in a long time. It made me proud, sad, and angry throughout. The theme of fighting a war on two fronts is very powerful and meaningful to my understanding of WWII and the beginning of the Civil Rights movement in this country.

Great!

So very good. Hard, often, to hear about indignities waged upon the Black race, but many valuable lessons within.

Wonderful tribute to Black Veterans

Excellent, informative, enlightening discussion of an important but neglected part of American race relations history!