In Defense of the Nation: Black Iowans at War, 1863-1991

The service and sacrifice of Black Americans in defense of the United States has been the primary engine which has driven political, economic, and social progress for Blacks in this nation. Throughout this span of over two hundred years, African Americans have contributed mightily to the cause of liberty. This book is devoted to tracing the service and accomplishments of African Americans in Iowa. In his unique storytelling style, Morris shares the personal accounts and heroic actions of Black soldiers, along with an impressive set of photographs and documentation. Morris says every soldier he interviewed said essentially the same thing; "We didn't fight for America as it was; we fought for what America could become for our people." Iowa had more Tuskegee Airmen per capita, than any state in the nation and they were decorated with numerous military medals.