The Golden Thirteen

How Black Men Won the Right to Wear Navy Gold

By: Dan Goldberg

Narrated by: Sam Manual

The inspiring story of the 13 courageous Black men who integrated the U.S. Navy during World War II—leading desegregation efforts across America and anticipating the civil rights movement.

Featuring previously unpublished material from the U.S. Navy, this little-known history of forgotten civil rights heroes uncovers the racism within the military and the fight to serve.

Through oral histories and original interviews with surviving family members, Dan Goldberg brings thirteen forgotten heroes away from the margins of history and into the spotlight. He reveals the opposition these men faced: the racist pseudo-science, the regular condescension, the repeated epithets, the verbal abuse and even violence. Despite these immense challenges, the Golden Thirteen persisted—understanding the power of integration, the opportunities for black Americans if they succeeded, and the consequences if they failed.

Until 1942, black men in the Navy could hold jobs only as cleaners and cooks. The Navy reluctantly decided to select the first black men to undergo officer training in 1944, after enormous pressure from ordinary citizens and civil rights leaders. These men, segregated and sworn to secrecy, worked harder than they ever had in their lives and ultimately passed their exams with the highest average of any class in Navy history.

In March 1944, these sailors became officers, the first black men to wear the gold stripes. Yet even then, their fight wasn’t over: white men refused to salute them, refused to eat at their table, and refused to accept that black men could be superior to them in rank. Still, the Golden Thirteen persevered, determined to hold their heads high and set an example that would inspire generations to come.

In the vein of Hidden Figures, The Golden Thirteen reveals the contributions of heroes who were previously lost to history.

©2020 Dan Goldberg (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“[An] inspiring story. . . . Goldberg delivers a gripping account of the brutal two-month accelerated course taught by mostly white officers, who often made it clear they hoped the men would fail. . . . Revealing accounts of highly admirable men working diligently within an unedifying episode in American history.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Journalist Goldberg debuts with a carefully documented chronicle of efforts to fully integrate the US Navy during WWII. . . . Goldberg skillfully interweaves his exhaustive account of the pressure campaign for equality with profiles of the individual sailors, showcasing their remarkable equanimity in the face of discrimination. This stirring portrait shines a well-deserved spotlight on a little-known victory in the fight for civil rights.”—Publishers Weekly

“[Goldberg] shares fresh interviews and employs robust research to add clarity and depth to the vital history of some of the first black naval officers during World War II. Goldberg’s research and analysis are rigorous, responsible, and fair in his assessment of the disappointing military and political leaders as well as of the brave visionary members of the media, military, and government . . . . Goldberg shares new and important information mined from the digital archives of the Black press of the 1940s. . . . Goldberg does a masterful job of revealing the inspiring stories of resilience and character exhibited by the talented men he wrote about. . . . I recommend Dan Goldberg’s fine book.”—Commander Jim Jackson, US Navy (Retired), Proceedings

What a great read

After spending 20 years in the Navy I had no idea about this story. Very well researched and written. I only hate that the Navy was so bigoted at the time and couldn’t have been more progressive. I really enjoyed it

The Golden 13 is a must read for American history

I was struck by their story and bravery to push desegregation in the Navy. I joined the Navy 26 years after their commissioning, and had never heard their story. I was well aware of Admiral Gravely, who was the Director of Naval Communication during my career, but did not know about the brave men that went before. Thank you.

Phenomenal Story! A must read!

this story is a must-read for anybody who is interested in history or race relations in America! It is incredible to draw parallels of what the golden thirteen had to go to versus what we are dealing with today. everyone should read this to gain an understanding and perspective.

OUTSTANDING!

History that should be taught to all in our nation’s schools...lest we never forget how we arrived at this point.

Must read for officers!

This book reframed my perspective as a black officer. It was recommended to me by naval station Norfolk CO. So glad I followed through

Insightful

I have to admit that I had never heard of of The Golden 13 until the book was mentioned on the Joe Madison (Black Eagle) Show. I must say that the author Dan C. Goldberg did an excellent job highlighting the challenges these men went through and how their contributions help change the course of American History. It also made me want to see who was the first black Warrant Officer in the Army. Unfortunately, according to Farrell Chiles in his book “African American Warrant Officers, in service to our country” (https://assets.booklocker.com/pdfs/7865s.pdf) the first African American warrant officer in the United States Army is unknown.

The First Black Naval Officers

An excellent story of resilience!! I recommend this book for those wanting to go deeper into Black History or who wants another perspective on what it’s been like to be Black in America.

Hidden history

This was so compelling in both the story and the narrator's ability to tell it that I read it in two sittings.