"An exceptionally well-researched, lovingly crafted, and important
tribute to unsung American heroes." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred
review)
World War II is raging, and thousands of American soldiers are fighting
overseas against the injustices brought on by Hitler. Back on the home
front, discrimination against African Americans plays out as much on
Main Street as in the military. Tanya Lee Stone examines the
little-known history of the Triple Nickles, America's first black
paratroopers, who fought in an attack on the American West by the
Japanese. The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, in the words of First
Sergeant Walter Morris, "proved that the color of a man had nothing to
do with his ability."
Front matter includes a foreword by Ashley Bryan. Back matter includes
an author's note, an appendix, a time line, source notes, a
bibliography, and an index.