"For more than two hundred years African Americans have fought for their own personal freedom as well as that of their fellow Americans. Blacks contributed to the success of the revolution that gained the country, but not its slaves, their independence. Blacks played a significant role in preserving the union in the Civil War and securing their own freedom. From the expanse of the American West to the heights of San Juan Hill, from the trenches of France to the heartlands of Germany and Japan, from the icy mountain ridges of Korea to the thick jungles of Vietnam and the sands of the Persian Gulf, African Americans have performed loyally and bravely." —From The African-American Soldier In this moving and revealing account, Michael Lee Lanning brings to life the battles in which African Americans fought so courageously to become full citizens by risking their lives for their country. This updated edition includes analyses of African-American soldiers' involvement in recent U.S. conflicts, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Michael Lee Lanning serves as public affairs officer for General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. He has spent more than twenty years on active duty in the United States Army. He has written nine books of military history, including The Military 100 and Senseless Secrets. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

This book presents biographies of 100 military leaders, both good and evil, who represent nations throughout the world and the most significant wars in history. Each entry includes information about childhood influences, education, career highlights, post-military life, and legacy as it relates to military history.

"The two hundred personalities described in this book have a fair claim to being the most significant in the last thousand years of military history. They include warrior kings and sultans, field marshals and ministers, tribal chiefs and junior officers. The majority of the entries are naturally concerned with field commanders; but the most influential theorists and administrators -- men like Clausewitz, Steuben, and Carnot -- also qualify for notice." -- inside cover.

It takes a great deal of personal strength, charisma, and intelligence to lead others. Some leaders improve the lives of their fellow citizens while others rule with an iron fist, oblivious to the plight of others. This book covers the lives and agendas of leaders good and bad, those who history has justifiably vilified and others who will be cherished for years to come.

This book presents biographies of 100 religious leaders who have had the greatest impact on their respective followers, nations, regions, and the world at large. Young readers not only learn about notable leaders of the various strands of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, but also read about the contributions of offshoot sects and more obscure religions.

This book presents biographies of 100 innovators of technology who have affected nearly every facet of life, from transportation and communication to science and entertainment. Their names range from the familiar, such as Thomas Edison, to the more obscure, such as Henrietta Swan Leavitt, but their contributions to today's world are all vital.