The Golden Thirteen: How Black Men Won the Right to Wear Navy Gold
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The inspiring story of the 13 courageous Black men who integrated the U.S. Navy during World War II—leading desegregation efforts across America and anticipating the civil rights movement.
Featuring previously unpublished material from the U.S. Navy, this little-known history of forgotten civil rights heroes uncovers the racism within the military and the fight to serve.
Through oral histories and original interviews with surviving family members, Dan Goldberg brings thirteen forgotten heroes away from the margins of history and into the spotlight. He reveals the opposition these men faced: the racist pseudo-science, the regular condescension, the repeated epithets, the verbal abuse and even violence. Despite these immense challenges, the Golden Thirteen persisted—understanding the power of integration, the opportunities for black Americans if they succeeded, and the consequences if they failed.
Until 1942, black men in the Navy could hold jobs only as cleaners and cooks. The Navy reluctantly decided to select the first black men to undergo officer training in 1944, after enormous pressure from ordinary citizens and civil rights leaders. These men, segregated and sworn to secrecy, worked harder than they ever had in their lives and ultimately passed their exams with the highest average of any class in Navy history.
In March 1944, these sailors became officers, the first black men to wear the gold stripes. Yet even then, their fight wasn’t over: white men refused to salute them, refused to eat at their table, and refused to accept that black men could be superior to them in rank. Still, the Golden Thirteen persevered, determined to hold their heads high and set an example that would inspire generations to come.
In the vein of Hidden Figures, The Golden Thirteen reveals the contributions of heroes who were previously lost to history.
From the Publisher
From right: Nathaniel O. Dyson, Richard Hubbard, and John W. Reagan, three electrician’s mates, listen as Chief Electrician’s Mate John E. Taylor explains the workings of the power system that they would be working with when serving aboard the USS Mason.
Dorothy Donegan, pianist, and the Camp Robert Smalls swing band.
Recruits balance themselves on the commando course at Camp Robert Smalls, September 9, 1942.
Publisher : Beacon Press (May 19, 2020)
Language : English
Hardcover : 280 pages
ISBN-10 : 080702158X
ISBN-13 : 978-0807021583
Item Weight : 1 pounds
Dimensions : 6.27 x 1.03 x 9.28 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book compelling and informative. They describe it as an enjoyable read and a valuable addition to the literature about the Navy. Readers praise the under-reported heroism and gallantry of the men in WWII. The timeframe provides context for customers, who consider the Navy’s history important to their nation’s defense.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
The inspiring story of the 13 courageous Black men who integrated the U.S. Navy during World War II—leading desegregation efforts across America and anticipating the civil rights movement.
Featuring previously unpublished material from the U.S. Navy, this little-known history of forgotten civil rights heroes uncovers the racism within the military and the fight to serve.
Through oral histories and original interviews with surviving family members, Dan Goldberg brings thirteen forgotten heroes away from the margins of history and into the spotlight. He reveals the opposition these men faced: the racist pseudo-science, the regular condescension, the repeated epithets, the verbal abuse and even violence. Despite these immense challenges, the Golden Thirteen persisted—understanding the power of integration, the opportunities for black Americans if they succeeded, and the consequences if they failed.
Until 1942, black men in the Navy could hold jobs only as cleaners and cooks. The Navy reluctantly decided to select the first black men to undergo officer training in 1944, after enormous pressure from ordinary citizens and civil rights leaders. These men, segregated and sworn to secrecy, worked harder than they ever had in their lives and ultimately passed their exams with the highest average of any class in Navy history.
In March 1944, these sailors became officers, the first black men to wear the gold stripes. Yet even then, their fight wasn’t over: white men refused to salute them, refused to eat at their table, and refused to accept that black men could be superior to them in rank. Still, the Golden Thirteen persevered, determined to hold their heads high and set an example that would inspire generations to come.
In the vein of Hidden Figures, The Golden Thirteen reveals the contributions of heroes who were previously lost to history.
From the Publisher
From right: Nathaniel O. Dyson, Richard Hubbard, and John W. Reagan, three electrician’s mates, listen as Chief Electrician’s Mate John E. Taylor explains the workings of the power system that they would be working with when serving aboard the USS Mason.
Dorothy Donegan, pianist, and the Camp Robert Smalls swing band.
Recruits balance themselves on the commando course at Camp Robert Smalls, September 9, 1942.
Publisher : Beacon Press (May 19, 2020)
Language : English
Hardcover : 280 pages
ISBN-10 : 080702158X
ISBN-13 : 978-0807021583
Item Weight : 1 pounds
Dimensions : 6.27 x 1.03 x 9.28 inches
by mpg76
Simply Outstanding and Stunningâ¦.this changed my view of the US Navy
I graduated from the US Naval Academy in the mid 1970âs, served in the Navyâs nuclear submarine force for six years and then as a Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer for another 17 years. I was very proud of my service and of the US Navy. During my time in the Navy I never once really questioned why there were not more African American officers. After reading this book, I completely altered my view of the morals and values that our Navy seemingly stood for.The behaviors of most of the Naval establishment during the dark days of World War II, as clearly and passionately described in this book, should be a lesson to us all and a call to remain focused on diversity, equality and inclusion in all walks of like. The book is inspiring, informative and compelling. It is well written and connects to the reader at a deeply emotional level.Our Navy has a good history and key to our nationâs defense. I sincerely hope that the lessons from this book are never lost. The Golden 13 were heroâs and should be celebrated for their patriotism, bravery, grace and commitment.
by RKGreen
MEN OF HONOR AND ACCOMPLISHMENT WHO DESERVE OUR GRATITUDE AND RESPECT
Having read Paul Stillwell’s magnificent book about these men, I can say that this book is a wonderful addition to the literature about these men and the challenges they faced. It answers many of the questions I had about their follow-on assignments and their struggles as a group. I am very grateful that more of their stories have been told. I am working on fleshing out the story of one in particular, Dennis Denmark Nelson, the “peacock” of the group. I am grateful that the author included much of the background information on how resistant the Navy was to the very idea of Black officers, and how so many persisted in making it happen. There are heroes in this book that are not Black, and they deserve to be remembered as well. I finally learned the names of the three men who, through no fault of their own, were not commissioned and reverted back to their enlisted status. That injustice can never be repaid, but at least history will remember them. I find it encouraging that society is learning more about the early struggles of minority servicemen in Navy blue – and more stories like these need to come to light. Much appreciation to the author and to Paul Stillwell for recording these stories for posterity. I cant recommend this book enough.
by Robin Hawkins
There is so much that you don’t know
Wonderful read and teaching tool
by James A. Peterson Jr.
Very informative
Very informative, my uncle Graham Martin was one of the Golden Thirteen. I found out things about him and my aunt that I didnât know. Aunt Alma was my motherâs sister, and was always good to me. Uncle Graham didnât talk to much about his time in the Navy. The book is very important.
by Capt Bill
I was privileged to have the shoulders of these men to stand on
I am a retired U.S. Navy Captain- a Black man who became the first commanding officer of a brand new guided missile frigate and later a squadron of destroyers. . When I was commissioned in December, 1962 I became one of the Navy’s small cadre of active duty Black officers, just over one percent of Navy officers at the time and the percentage did not increase significantly over the next ten years or so. I happened to be stationed in Washington, DC at the time when the term “The Golden 13” was established by one of the Black officers assigned to the Naval Recruiting Command. And I met a few of these pioneering men. Since that time, the percentage of Black officers has increased (but I no longer have access to the percentages) and several have successfully commanded ships, submarines, aircraft squadrons, major facilities and some have earned the stars of an admiral. Indeed, two of them ( a man and a woman) reached the rank of Admiral, four stars. While Samuel Smalls may have been the first (during the civil war), these thirteen men proved beyond doubt Blacks have what it takes to wear the stripes of an officer in the U.S. Navy. This is a good piece of history worthy of being read.
by Binder Woman
Must read to understand racism in America
Excellent book depicting the racism of the Navy. My father, a white man, was at Great Lakes Naval Training Center at the same time as these officers so the timeframe has context to me. Highly recommend the book.
by Alexander Robinson
Important Contribution to Black and American History
Well researched and written, this is a compelling account of under-reported heroism and gallantry in WWII, especially welcome as our country grapples with its history and struggle for racial equality. These were Black lives that did indeed matter.A, RobinsonHuntersville, NC
by Zaver
Very Interesting and Impactful Book!
I am currently reading this book because I will be commissioning into the U.S. Navy soon. As a Black man, I feel it is my responsibility to learn about and understand the sacrifice these 13 Black men made so that those like myself could one day be commissioned as officers in the U.S. Navy.
by duck
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