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Edward L. Posey
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US Army's First, Last, and Only All-Black Rangers: The 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) in the Korean War, 1950–1951 Kindle Edition

by Edward L. Posey (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 151 ratings
Finalist, Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Book Award: An account of this elite unit serving in the last days of a segregated military: “Riveting.” —The Journal of African American History

The 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne) was the first and only all-black Ranger unit in the history of the United States Army. The company’s life span covered ten months, from selection and training through a seven-month combat deployment in Korea, after which the unit was deactivated. The 2nd and 4th Rangers were among the units initially assigned to the Eighth Army and were considered to be “combat ready.”

The 2nd Ranger Company battled North Korean and Communist Chinese forces near Tangyang, Majori-ri, and Chechon; conducted the first airborne assault in Ranger history near the town of Munsan-ni; and executed the heroic attack and defense of Hill 581. In their short time together, these men demonstrated courage, served with honor, and achieved a magnificent combat record.

This is the first complete history of this elite all-volunteer unit whose members were drawn from the 3rd Battalion of the 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment and the 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion. As a member of the unit, Edward L. Posey bases his account on firsthand experience, official records, interviews with survivors, and other material to produce a rich and worthy addition to the growing literature on the Korean War. Posey’s study explains the obstacles these patriotic men faced, their sacrifices, and their courageous actions on the far side of the world.

“Outstanding . . . a shining example of what Americans are capable of accomplishing.” —John Conyers, Jr.
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  1. Print length
    273 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Savas Beatie
  4. Publication date
    June 23, 2009
  5. File size
    4.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Posey’s vivid recollections of the heroism and dignity with which the Buffalo Rangers faced their enemies both foreign and domestic is indeed a marvelous read. More important still it gives long-overdue credit to the valor and sacrifice demonstrated by African-American warriors in American military history."
Ranger and Special Operations historian Col. Michael Haas, USAF, ret., The Washington Times

"Friendship, bravery, and compassion, these American soldiers had it all. The passionate description of bravery, patriotism, and pride gives the reader insight into the men who changed the armed services forever. I found myself wanting to cheer for them and cry with them, and beaming with pride for all they were able to accomplish. These men proved they were the best."
Pamela Gentry, Washington Bureau Chief, BET News

"A labor of love by surviving members of this unit in the Korean War, an all-volunteer unit that came together when President Truman was putting an end to the segregated military. Told in the first person and not very polished, this is still a record of a transitional time that tested all concerned. Many readers will appreciate this addition to Korean War studies."
Library Journal

"… a remarkable account, told from the inside out, a great book…"
Book Bit for WTBF AM/FM

"There is a growing interest in the role of the African American Soldier in our history, from the time of the Revolution to Iraq. Documentaries, like our recent Emmy award winning special on African Americans at D-Day, prove the point. The US Army’s First, Last, and Only All-Black Rangers adds a fascinating personal note to this on going epic. Posey’s story is important because it says so much about our history. It’s destined to become an essential part of our understanding of the role black citizens have played in defending and defining our country."
Charlie Maday, Senior Vice President, Military History Channel

About the Author

Master Sergeant (Ret) Edward L. Posey joined the US Army in 1947. After serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment, he volunteered for airborne training with the Rangers in 1950 and served with distinction in the Korean War (where he was wounded). Sergeant Posey retired from the service in 1969. In 2002, he was inducted in the Ranger Hall of Fame for his dedication to duty and distinguished military career.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004LLINQW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Savas Beatie; Reprint edition (June 23, 2009)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 23, 2009
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 273 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1932714456
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 151 ratings

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Edward L. Posey

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4.8 out of 5 stars
151 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer - Larry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rangers lead the way.....Black Trailblazers Warriors and Heroes in a Forgotten war.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A must read for military war historians and African American educators on the U.S. Army only All-Black Rangers Company (Airborne) military operations during the America's forgotten Korean War. The author MSG (Retired) Edward L. Posey gives the reader detailed accounts of the Rangers company wartime campaigns during the Korean Conflict but also include their accounts of their serving to the country in a Jim Crow America. As a former serviceman, we stand on the shoulders of these gaints who fought to dispel the notions of black in the military and their heroism in combat. Warriors, Rangers, Heroes leading the way....
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  • R. Ashe
    5.0 out of 5 stars American lies again.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a brilliant book, written by Edward L. Posey, US ARMY, RETIRED MSGT. America just decided, not to say anything about,African-American, Airbnb Rangers, during the Korean War. They did the impossible, and just like that,they were forgotten, by our country! I encourage those, who have a hunger for the truth, to purchase this book. It's good to know who the real heroes were. This us an exceptional read!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • R. Rich
    5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING!!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This was an excellent read and I've had the great pleasure of meeting the author Edward Posey, who was also inducted in the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame. Getting first hand knowledge of his experiences along with that of other original members in this profound, elite group of soldiers in battle in Munsan-ni was extraordinary...mind-blowing!! There should be a movie about these incredible soldiers....RIP Ranger Posey🙏
    One person found this helpful
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  • kevin.d.baggett
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Take totally too long to ship and arrive!!!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Charlene Zeigler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    My father, who died in 2007, was discussed in the book. His name is James E. Freeman, Sr. (referred to as Freeman in the book). He was part of the first and only black paratrooper-rangers unit to go to Korea. I'm extremely proud of his sacrifice and his comrades sacrifices to our country. The book is well written. In the early 1990s, my husband and I took my parents to Fort Benning, GA to visit and on one of the plaques, there was detail of a particular battle in which he and his troops fought. That was the first time I saw tears in my father's eyes. He said one of his men died in his arms. The book is excellent for anyone who loves history.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • wag
    5.0 out of 5 stars An often neglected history lesson !
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book uncovering the important groundbreaking role that “men of color” played in the Korean Conflict . I personally grew up with one of the notables being a father figure for me in the 60’s ( he was a Scoutmaster ). I gave a copy of this book to several members of this BSA troop. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Korean War in general or in the role that “ Men of Color “played in our military .
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  • YouTube's Real Inventor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The book had a great precision to it, and wasn't afraid to go beyond the high standard of its participants to showcase the true efforts and encounters with racism faced by the 2nd Rangers. Written by a member of the 2d Rangers, it does read a bit like a military report, however, I liked that.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Kasey J
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read of truth
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Learn about HISTORY, not HIS STORY. I as a ARMY vet love this book. Talk about trailblazers. This needs to be a movie.
    One person found this helpful
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