We Were There: Voices of African
American Veterans, from World War II
to the War in Iraq by Ron Tarver
Americans I'd Like To Meet.
The Greatest Generation meets Bloods in this revealing oral history of the
unrecognized contributions of African American veterans.
Award-winning journalist Yvonne Latty never bothered to find out the
extent of her fathers service until it was almost too late. Inspired by his
moving story -- and eager to uncover the little-known stories of other black
veterans, from those who served in the Second World War to the War in
Iraq -- Latty set about interviewing veterans of every stripe: men and
women; army, navy, and air force personnel; prisoners of war; and
brigadier generals.
In a book that has sparked discussions in homes, schools, and churches
across America, Latty, along with acclaimed photographer Ron Tarver,

captures not only what was unique about the experiences of more than two
dozen veterans but also why it is important for these stories to be
recorded. Whether its the story of a black medic on Omaha Beach or a
nurse who ferried wounded soldiers by heli-copter to medical centers
throughout Asia during the Vietnam War, We Were There is a must-have
for every black home, military enthusiast, and American patriot.
Personal Review: We Were There: Voices of African American
Veterans, from World War II to the War in Iraq by Ron Tarver
"We Were There: Voices of African American Veterans, from World War II
to the War in Iraq" is a collaboration between author Yvonne Latty,
photographer Ron Tarver, and the twenty-eight featured veterans. For the
most part, each veteran's first-person account is accompanied by a picture
of him/her in uniform during his/her time in service, as well as by a recent
portrait by Tarver. The personal testimonies are grouped into five
sections: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and the War
on Terror.
Latty has brought together a wonderfully rich and diverse collection of
voices. The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps are all represented,
as are both the enlisted and officer ranks. I was especially happy to see
six women veterans (representing service in WW2, Vietnam, and the
Persian Gulf War) among the group. The veterans in the book also
represent a wide range of different military occupations: medic, pilot, tank
crew member, postal clerk, Navy steward, infantryman, flight nurse,
surgical nurse, cook, and more. The POW experience in World War II,
Korea, and Vietnam is also given voice. Among the veterans are two who
achieved general officer rank in the Army and one who became a Navy
Vice Admiral.
In the overall sweep of these voices the reader can chart the U.S. armed
services' progress in desegregation and equal opportunity. The group
recalls not only incidents of racism and discrimination, but also proud
milestones on this long journey. Many of the veterans speak frankly of the
horrors of war, including the carnage of Iwo Jima, the terror of a Gulf War
scud attack, and the shock of the 9/11 attacks. Military nurses recall the
horrific wounds suffered by some of their patients. There are some
profoundly moving passages, such as one WW2 veteran's account of his
friendship with a Holocaust survivor, or a Vietnam War POW's description
of his reunion with his family. Also noteworthy are a WW2 POW's memory
of his shocking argument with an arrogant German SS officer, and an Air
Force officer's description of perilous air missions over wartime
Afghanistan.
These compelling stories are superbly complemented by Tarver's
photographs. He captures many different moods in these boldly
individualized portraits: dramatic, heartwarming, haunting, and even

whimsical. His work is truly striking. Latty and Tarver have assembled a
wonderful tribute to the men and women who fought for their country while
at the same time breaking down barriers of unjust discrimination. "We
Were There" is a superb contribution to both military history and African
American studies.
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