Against the tumultuous background of military combat, racial conflict, and struggle for national survival, this book brings to life the story and extraordinary performance of The United States Colored Troops on the battlefields of the Civil War. One hundred and eighty thousand African-Americans, enslaved in the South, discriminated against in the North, and widely regarded as inferior in both sections, became soldiers in the Union Army in a bold experiment born of necessity.

Includes maps of : Battle of Port Hudson; Milliken's Bend ; Fort Wagner. Black Soldiers' Stories.

Breaking down the resistance --The White man's war -- Recruiting the officers -- Filling the ranks -- Coping with racism -- Training and discipline -- Proving their valor -- Leaving their mark on the battlefield -- Prejudice in the service -- Army of occupation -- Life after the USCT.