This book makes a significant contribution to American military history and an important contribution to American social and political history. It provides the complete story of black men and women who served as commissioned officers during 1861-1948 in the United States armed forces.

Black members of the military served in every war, conflict and military engagement between 1861 and 1948. Beyond serving only as enlisted soldiers and non-commissioned officers, many also served as commissioned officers in positions of leadership and authority. This book offers the first complete and conclusive work to specifically examine the history of black commissioned officers.