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MWSA Review
LtCol Brown's Shoulders to Stand On is an intimate portrait of impactful African American Marines on the history of the United States Marine Corps. Starting with the famed Montford Point Marines, and moving up to those serving in this millennium, the book details several prominent Marines from their oft humble beginnings to their success in the Corps.
The author pulls no punches when it comes to detailing the racist issues these brave Americans had to deal with, and how they met their challenges head on, like Marines. There are stories of bravery, camaraderie, triumph, and justice as these Marines strove to be recognized for their abilities, not their skin color.
Those seeking to learn more about the Marine Corps or the history of minorities serving in the military will find a lot to like about this book.
Review by Rob Ballister (July 2025)
Author's Synopsis
"Shoulders to Stand On: Marine Corps Heroes from 1942" takes a historic look at racism in the Marine Corps initially under the leadership of the Corps’ Commandant in WWII who stated in 1941, ‘It is my unwavering intention to tell the General Board up front that, if it ever was a question of having a Marine Corps of 5,000 Whites or 250,000 Negroes, I would rather have the Whites.’ ‘Shoulders’ tells the compelling stories of 18 Marines who become part of the heritage of Black Americans’ struggle for equality within the United States Marine Corps. The book focuses on male and female Black-American Marines from WWII to today, who successfully overcame racial challenges encountered in their youth and while on active duty in war and peace. These heroes rise to become general officers, US ambassadors, head of NASA, and co-writer of the US Fair Housing Act of 1968.”
Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle
Review Genre: History
Number of Pages: 364
Word Count: 93,414