The Black Soldiers Who Built the Alaska Highway - by John Virtue (Paperback)

About the Book

"This is the first detailed account of the 5,000 black troops who were reluctantly sent north by the U.S. Army during World War II to help build the Alaska Highway and install the companion Canol pipeline. Theirs were the first black regiments deployed outside the 48 states during the war"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

This is the first detailed account of the 5,000 black troops who were reluctantly sent north by the United States Army during World War II to help build the Alaska Highway and install the companion Canol pipeline. Theirs were the first black regiments deployed outside the lower 48 states during the war. The enlisted men, most of them from the South, faced racial discrimination from white officers, were barred from entering any towns for fear they would procreate a "mongrel" race with local women, and endured winter conditions they had never experienced before. Despite this, they won praise for their dedication and their work. Congress in 2005 said that the wartime service of the four regiments covered here contributed to the eventual desegregation of the Armed Forces.

Review Quotes

"this book brings out much of the forgotten details that were sadly neglected in earlier histories of these important projects. This book, replete with photographs and stories of the black troops at work and at rest, is well worth reading"-Alaska History; "John Virtue has done a marvelous job of recounting the hard work and heroism of African-American patriots in Alaska and Northern Canada during World War II. The Black Soldiers Who Built the Alaska Highway is both well written and expertly researched. Highly recommended!"-Douglas Brinkley, Rice University; "An epic story of adventure and struggle in the Far North"-John Balzar, author Yukon Alone.

About the Author

The late John Virtue was director of the International Media Center at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. He lived in Miami Beach.