Introduction

The absurdity of racial discrimination and segregation is rarely more evident than when it appears in the armed forces, as Americans of all races are called upon to fight and risk their lives for our common country. This poignant tale (1952) by black novelist, essayist, editor, and cofounder of the Harlem Writers Guild John Oliver Killens (1916–87) drives the point home. Although African Americans had fought in all of America’s wars, with over one million serving in the armed forces during World War II, all branches of the military were segregated until 1948, when President Harry Truman, by executive order, abolished segregation in the armed forces and ordered full integration of the services. Resistance persisted and implementation was slow; full integration was not achieved until after the end of the Korean War. It deals with the departure of a Negro soldier, Joe, headed for war.

How does Joe understand his military service? Why is he willing to risk his life for the United States? With whom do you identify more, Joe or his friend Luke Robinson—or Joe’s wife Cleo? Why, at the end, is Joe disillusioned and angered? Why and how does Joe go forward, despite his anger and shame? Do you admire him for doing so?

Joe’s dark eyes searched frantically for Cleo as he marched with the other Negro soldiers up the long thoroughfare towards the boat. Women were running out to the line of march, crying and laughing and kissing the men good-by. But where the hell was Cleo?

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