The War Within a War: Black Soldiers' Experiences in Vietnam

Wil Haygood's new book, *The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home*, explores the complex experiences of Black soldiers during the Vietnam War, highlighting their unique struggles both in combat and upon returning home.

The Guardian

Haygood emphasizes that the Vietnam War was the first desegregated conflict in U.S. history, where Black and white soldiers had to rely on each other despite the pervasive racism that existed. Approximately 300,000 African Americans served in Vietnam, comprising 31% of ground combat battalions in 1965, significantly higher than their 12% representation in the general population. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously described the war as a "white man's war, a Black man's fight," underscoring the racial dynamics at play.

The Guardian

The book draws on personal narratives, including that of Elbert Nelson, who discovered a North Vietnamese leaflet aimed at Black soldiers, which resonated deeply with him. Haygood's own childhood experiences, including the loss of a neighborhood friend to the war, inspired him to document these stories.

The Guardian

The book features prominent figures such as Joseph B. Anderson, a West Point graduate, and Philippa Schuyler, a mixed-race pianist who died in Vietnam while attempting to aid orphaned children. Haygood also discusses the cultural responses to the war, including Marvin Gaye's album *What’s Going On*, which reflected the psychological toll of the conflict on Black Americans.

The Guardian

Haygood critiques the ongoing efforts to erase Black military history, particularly during the Trump administration, which he argues has attempted to rewrite historical narratives. He highlights the renaming of military bases, such as Fort Lee to Fort Gregg-Adams, as a step towards acknowledging the contributions of Black soldiers, yet notes that these honors were later revoked.

The Guardian

In discussing the significance of his work, Haygood states, “This is the book the literary gods at this point in life wanted me to write, because I do firmly think that writers and filmmakers will step up in this moment, amid this effort to whitewash history.” He believes that the stories of Black soldiers are crucial to understanding the broader implications of the Vietnam War.

The Guardian

• “Vietnam was the first desegregated war,” — Wil Haygood, Author

The Guardian

• “Colored GI’s! The South Vietnamese people, who are struggling for their independence and freedom, are friends with the American colored people being victim of barbarous racial discrimination at home. Your battlefield is right in the USA! Your enemy is the war lords in the White House and the Pentagon!” — North Vietnamese leaflet aimed at Black soldiers

The Guardian

• “To Haygood, “it’s unbelievable that a nation as big as ours, steeped in the history of slavery and in the savagery of Jim Crow, would come to a point when it would try to rewrite history.” — Wil Haygood, Author

The Guardian

*The War Within a War* serves as a vital contribution to the understanding of Black soldiers' experiences in Vietnam, addressing the intersection of race, war, and memory. Haygood's work not only honors those who served but also challenges contemporary narratives that seek to diminish their contributions and struggles.

The Guardian