To Serve My Country, to Serve My Race
by Brenda L. Moore
"The Story of the Only African-American WACS Stationed Overseas During World War II"
Popularity
4.85 / 5
* A book's popularity is determined by how it compares to all other books on this website.
Details
War:
World War II
Perspective:
Civilian
Military Unit:
US Army
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
Yes
Region:
Europe
Page Count:
308
Published Date:
1997
ISBN13:
9780814755877
Description
Main Themes and Topics
To Serve My Country, to Serve My Race by Brenda L. Moore explores several compelling themes centered around identity, duty, and social justice. The book primarily focuses on the story of the 6888th, the first United States Women's Army Corps unit composed solely of African-American women to serve overseas during World War II. It delves deeply into the dual struggle faced by these women: a fight against both global tyranny during the war and the pervasive racial discrimination within their own country.
Moore highlights the activism and political engagement that led to the deployment of African-American women overseas, emphasizing how their involvement was a significant stride towards racial equality. Through personal testimonies, the book illustrates the perseverance and courage required by these trailblazers to break barriers and establish a space for themselves within the military. The underlying narrative consistently portrays themes of empowerment through self-determination and the pursuit of racial upliftment.
Writing Style and Tone
Brenda L. Moore employs a narrative style that is both scholarly and accessible, making this historical account engaging for a broad audience. Her detailed research is evident throughout the book, as she combines personal interviews with historical context to vividly paint the experiences of the women in the 6888th. The tone is respectful and reverent, clearly aiming to honor the contributions of these often-overlooked pioneers while educating the reader about their impact on history.
Brief Summary
To Serve My Country, to Serve My Race recounts the significant yet overlooked contributions of the 6888th, the African-American women's unit in the U.S. Army during WWII. The book captures their journey from domestic frontlines to active service overseas, navigating the complexities and obstacles imposed by racial prejudice. It also chronicles how these women, from diverse backgrounds, united under a common mission to serve their country and challenge societal norms, thereby altering the course of military history.
