Discussing Half-American: an Interview with Matthew F. Delmont

Goodness how I really loved this book - Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad, by Matthew F. Delmont. I reviewed it here on this website and on YouTube and I’ve been enthusiastically discussing it in class. In fact, the book has helped me rewrite my section on World War II that I teach. Let’s just say my students and followers have been getting an earful here.

So, and you can probably imagine, I was very happy to welcome Matt to my show so we could discuss. We get in to all the good stuff - from the broader Civil Rights movement, to the Double V Campaign, even to reasons for enlistment…dealing with segregation and being denied combat roles. The story is fascniating. And Matt has convinced me that we need to emphasize blacks Americans’ fight here to completely understand the war - and even credit them for their major contribution in support roles especially. The story really is epic - as the title suggests.

So, have a listen. I think you will dig it!