Blood on German Snow
by Emiel W. Owens
"An African American Artilleryman in World War II and Beyond"
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Blood on German Snow by Emiel W. Owens
Details
War:
World War II
Perspective:
Artillery
Military Unit:
US Army
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
Yes
Region:
Europe
Page Count:
156
Published Date:
2006
ISBN13:
9781585445370
Description
Brief Summary
Blood on German Snow by Emiel W. Owens is a compelling memoir that traces the remarkable journey of Owens from his humble beginnings in a rural Texan town to his crucial role in World War II and beyond. As part of the 777th Field Artillery, a segregated unit of the U.S. Army, Owens participated in significant wartime actions, including the landing at Omaha Beach and operations against German forces. Postwar, he leveraged the G.I. Bill to break barriers in higher education, culminating in a successful academic career. His memoir is not merely a war story but also an insightful commentary on the evolving racial dynamics in America during the mid-20th century.
Main Themes and Topics
The primary themes of Blood on German Snow include racial segregation and the transformative power of education. Owens provides a poignant narrative of his experience in a segregated military unit, illustrating both the broader societal issues and personal adversities faced by African American soldiers. The book also emphasizes resilience and determination, as Owens details his pursuit of higher education and professional success in a postwar America that was still grappling with racial inequality.
Writing Style and Tone
Emiel W. Owens employs a candid and evocative writing style, which effectively captures both the intensity of battlefield experiences and the subtleties of racial tensions in mid-20th century America. The tone is reflective and introspective, as Owens provides context for his experiences, integrating personal anecdotes with historical backdrop. The narrative is both engaging and educative, offering readers a unique perspective on World War II and its impact on African American soldiers.
Awards and Recognition
While Owens's military service earned him a certificate of merit for his actions in World War II, his memoir itself holds importance as one of the few personal accounts published by African American veterans of that era. This makes Blood on German Snow a valuable contribution to both military history and African American literature, though specific literary awards for the book are not mentioned.
