New Books Network Gerald F. Goodwin, "Race in the Crucible of War: African American Servicemen and the War in Vietnam" (U Massachusetts Press, 2023)
Jan 19, 2026
Gerald F. Goodwin, a historian and author, dives into the powerful narrative of African American servicemen in the Vietnam War. He discusses how racial discrimination shaped their experiences both in combat and at home. Goodwin shares insights from over fifty interviews, revealing the emotional connections these servicemen made between their struggles and the civil rights movement. He highlights the stark realities they faced returning home, including unemployment and limited opportunities, drawing parallels to ongoing racial injustices today.
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Desegregation Meets The Civil Rights Era
- Vietnam was the first major conflict fought by already-desegregated U.S. units and coincided with major civil rights legislation.
- This overlap created uncertainty about race in the military and made African American contributions especially significant.
Method: Corroborate Oral Testimony With Archives
- Goodwin combined oral interviews with archival records, black newspapers, documentaries, and court files to reconstruct veterans' experiences.
- He cross-checked multiple sources to identify patterns rather than relying on single accounts.
Veteran Referrals Unlocked Interviews
- Goodwin found veterans primarily through referrals; one early interviewee, Chaplain Wes Gary, actively connected him to many others.
- George Brumell of the Blinded Veterans Association also phoned contacts and insisted they be interviewed.
