The Golden Thirteen: Recollections of the First Black Naval Officers

by Paul L Stillwell USNR (Ret.) (Editor)

In January 1944 sixteen black enlisted men gathered at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois to begin a cram course that would turn them into the U.S. Navy's first African-American officers on active duty. The men believed they could set back the course of racial justice if they failed and banded together so all would succeed. Despite the demanding pace, all sixteen passed the course. Twelve were commissioned as ensigns and a thirteenth was made a warrant officer. Years later these pioneers came to be known as the Golden Thirteen, but at the outset they were treated more as pariahs than pioneers. Often denied the privileges and respect routinely accorded white naval officers, they were given menial assignments unworthy of their abilities and training. Yet despite this discrimination, these inspirational young men broke new ground and opened the door for generations to come.
In 1986, oral historian Paul Stillwell began recording the memories of the eight surviving members of the Golden Thirteen. Later he interviewed three white officers who served with and supported the efforts of the men during World War II. This book collects the stories of those eleven men. Introduced by Colin L. Powell, they tell in dramatic fashion what it was like to be a black American.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, War

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1993

Reviews

[John Connolly]

As a Naval officer myself, it is easy to see why this book has also been on the CNO's reading list. This is an incredible first person history by the people who lived this history. No matter what your position is in the military please add this book to your reading list.

[Andy]

Discussing this at the Nov. 17 meeting of the Guys Book Club

[Robert Weintraub]

Got great insights discussing book with author

[Brendan Cummins]

They should give this to us instead of reef points

[Yeap Naw]

Awesome a must read for African Americans

[Nicole Nunes]

It was really great to learn about the Golden Thirteen. They were an amazing group of gentleman and their service has made the Navy better. It was amazing to learn about them as a whole person and not just the time in the Navy. It was hard to read about their struggles, however, because of them it has been easier for others (hopefully). This is a great story that more people should know.

[Gail Johnson, Ph.D]

There was no holding back with this book. Black and white Naval personal really spoke their mind about who and how the first Black Naval Officers came to be. There's a lot of surprises in this book. Thank all of you for your service.

[Mike]

The verbal histories make the story personal, but so disjointed and not focused on the specific behaviors in the course which led to their cohesion which I was particularly interested in. One of the other books on the group would have been a better choice.

[Logan]

3.5 stars
A collection of small memoirs with some really interesting stuff in there.
I was a little confused by having just one narrator. Maybe two narrators alternating would have been better. A lot of the stories blended together in my head. The narrator did do a good job though

[Jennifer Edinger]

Enjoyed this book

[Jody Carey]

Written in Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

[Amy Fischer]

Amazing story. Worth the read. A bit dense but eye opening