Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day's Black Heroes, at Home and at War Hardcover – October 27, 2015

I believe the racism of th United States post Civil War is one of the worst scars in American history. My heart aches and breaks for the black Americans who endured such horror. However, a review of all that is not the reason I bought this book. I wanted to hear of the efforts and heroics of these precious men during WWII. Instead I was taken through a history of racism against black Americans. While I ,again, loath those acts, it was not why I bought this book. We were in chapter 8 before the author even took us to the war in Europe. Then there was a lot of teaching about the days of D day that have been written in dozens of books already, many of which I already have in my library. Chapters 8-9 again repeated much previously stated material spending a tremendously little time on the men of the balloon brigades. I actually know nothing about the activities of these men. The only thing I have really learned about is that they exist. I was brought to years over how they managed to excel in their lives after the war. But I wanted to read about their activity and courage under fire. The author did not do service to these brave men and I am very disappointed. I am giving this book 3 stars but only to honor these great men. The author deserves one star only.

This author's attempt to document the otherwise unknown history of a battalion of black soldiers who landed at Normandy on D-Day is an epic failure. In my estimation, only about 15% of the book is dedicated to that story. The rest is a collection of generalizations and historical threads about WWII, and the racism that was pervasive throughout the military (and the United States) all of which have been told before. The book isn't terrible; actually it's interesting enough. And it's not terribly written, although it isn't particularly well-written either.The author should actually be ashamed of herself for wasting a beautiful opportunity to tell the story of these men, who endured so much at home and at war. She had access to the surviving members of the battalion, to their families, and to their personal diaries. But instead, the vast majority of the book is devoted to material that's been covered time and time again. And the first chapter started off with such promise, telling the story of one of the veteran's early life in Atlantic City up until the time he was drafted. But soon thereafter, the author lost her way, and neither her editor nor her literary agent had the wherewithal to right the ship. So she squandered an opportunity that has now been lost forever, as the men to whom she had access have now succumbed to the relentless force of time. What a shame. The thought of the opportunity cost almost brings me to tears.I hope that should the author ever embark on a similar endeavor, she first read the marvelous book, "Bringing Mulligan Home" by Dale Maharidge. Then perhaps she will understand how to pay tribute to the subjects about whom she is ostensibly writing.One more note to the author: Medals are not "won" by members of the military. They are earned by the honored recipients. I cringed every time I read that phrase, and I can not believe that none of the editors at HarperCollins corrected this most egregious blunder.

She should have listened. It's a shame that the author felt as though she had to follow every little breadcrumb of detail about the Civil Rights, Jim Crow, Separate but Equal, etc., details of the 1960s Civil Rights and slavery, and every other slight (which there are a lot) toward African Americans. While these are fascinating topics to read about (and should be taught in schools), I didn't feel as though they belonged in this book. I was really looking forward to a book specifically about the black balloon battalions of WWII. Instead, I got a winding, sometimes confusing, sometimes well off the topic of the book, text.

Appreciated the authors research in providing reference and context to the epic struggles faced by Black Americans who served during WW2. These are stories and accounts overlooked, ignored and mostly unknown to the public at large. Fascinating to read some of the reviews here about the criticism of Ms. Hervieux that didn't tell enough of the 320th personal stories and stayed too much on racism. Wonder, did it ever occur that many of these Black WW2 American soldiers passed on with their stories? Or that the memories of having to fight on two fronts (war and racism) could be a bit too much? Issues that many will not have to encounter in their lifetime. Anyway, I'm glad she got this book published. There are certainly many more stories to discover that will provide reference and context to the mythology, distortion and white washing of American military history. In the end, it is all about "who is framing the conversation".

Few Americans know anything abot the 320th Barrage Baloon Battalion or its contribution to the World War II offense. In Forgotten, Linda Hervieux not only provides a comprehensive story of the 320th--composed entirely of African American soldiers--but by placing it in the context of 20th century social history, she draws a dramatic picture of Jim Crow life and its cruelty. With a keen eye for the telling detail, she renders the background of many soldiers who risked their lives for a country that ignored their claim for equality. Based on hundreds of interviews, Hervieux points out how black soldiers were strictly segregated and mistreated while German and Italian prisoners of war were treated as friends. In the short months of their stay in Europe, the men of the 320th were treated warmly by the British population. This short term of normalcy in race relations was brought to an abrupt end when the black soldiers were returned to the strictly segregated United States military service. Hervieux recreates the drama and danger of DDay and the part the 320th played in that epic battle.Excellently written and widely researched, Forgotten is an invaluable addition to military and social history and just a plain good read.

Excellent read. Bought tears to my eyes. These accounts are never heard in the mainstream media. Black soldiers made such a massive contribution during WW2 and all wars prior and since with barely any recognition. They fought in the trenches, they fought hand to hand they were in the navy and flew bombers. And while doing all this for their country they fought the biggest enemy that was racism from their own country and white soldiers which they continued to fight every day of their lives during peacetime too.

Linda's book highlights the story of those forgotten in WW2. Their stories are forgotten aspects of WW2 that higlhights the war was not simply won by those depicted in Hollywood movies who were predominantly white but also by soldiers from around the world including African Americans.Their sacrifice has never been recognised fully or the contribution these soldiers have made and the book higlhights this in great detail and clarity. I would reccomend this book to all those who want to learn about thse brave men.

I perhaps learned more about the history of ballooning than was necessary but this is a very readable work on a piece of history that must never be forgotten. The role of black troops in World War 2 is badly overlooked. The lack of any black faces in Saving Private Ryan speaks volumes about how black soldiers can be airbrushed out of history. A strong academic book but also entertaining and easy to read. Highly recommended.

I just love reading or listening to anything to do with both the wars. So I highly recommend this book to anyone who is into history. It arrived on time.

Really good read - best history book I’ve read in a long while. Well researched and interspersed with personal stories to bring the narrative to life. If only all history books could be this enthralling.