Soldiers of Freedom An Illustrated History of African Americans in the Armed Forces Book

At first glance, this is the kind of book you find in the Barnes & Noble discount section by the dozens. I picked it up at a used book shop in San Francisco. There was a 50/50 chance I'd ever read it. At first I would glance ever now and then through a section. I was struck by how interesting O'Connell's analysis was and resolved to read the whole book.

My expectations were well met. O'Connell's brief analysis of this seemingly endless topic was masterfully concise. And, not only did he approach the subject from a technological level, but a sociological one as well. This efficient account of the evolution of technology and society was just enough to paint a vivid picture of history without getting stuck in the details AND keep the reader hungry for more information.

Well done sir.