Soldiers of Freedom by Samuel Marquis

This is historical fiction.  The book describes the exploits of Patton who is well known and the Edelweiss Pirates who are pretty much unknown.  The author states his motivation for writing the book was to tell the story of Patton’s Black Panthers.   The Black Panthers were the 761^st Tank Battalion, the first African-American tank unit in WWII.   The book documents how the Black Panthers had to fight both the Germans and the prejudice of their fellow soldiers.   Mucki, Gertrud Koch Pirate code name describes conditions in Cologne and how she and her friends fought back against the Gestapo.

Although race relations aren’t perfect today, reading how poor they were in the 40s is daunting.  It is hard to believe the depths of prejudice.   Showing the world of a teenager as the German empire collapsed was also eye opening.  There courage against overwhelming odds is inspiring.

Marquis writes a detailed and fact loaded book that brings to life a period and people who may otherwise be forgotten.

History buffs should jump on this book.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.