Vivid, first-hand account of a unique and significant World War II all-black U.S. Army unit-the 597th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Division.The 597th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Division, was the first, last, and only all-black officered direct support field artillery battalion committed to combat in the history of the U.S. Army. It was the first all-black unit in a combat division and, together with the 600th Field Artillery Battalion, constituted the only all-black units in any combat division. Alongside impressive achievements on the battlefield in Italy in 1944-45, the unit provided more key command and staff positions exclusively for black field artillery officers than any other U.S. Army unit in combat, giving combat training and experience to more senior black field artillery officers than any of the other 16 black field artillery battalions during World War II.Colonel Wendell Derricks worked to shelter his troops from the worst of the racism exhibited during the war and, due to his ability to envision an integrated postwar army, he provided unique leadership opportunities for his senior officers. The alumni of the 597th Field Artillery Battalion have an impressive record of success, many of them were inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame; some served at the Pentagon, including Lieutenant Colonel Clark; and others forged successful careers in the civilian world.Table of ContentsTHE END OF EXCLUSION1 A Limited Opportunity2 The Opportunity Expands3 A Northern Winter in Indiana4 Camp Robinson, Arkansas5 Fort Huachuca6 Louisiana Maneuvers7 Programmed for FailureBRIDGING THE OBSTACLE8 The Tide Turns9 Over ThereGAINING A FOOTHOLD10 By the Sea11 In the Mountains12 Changes at the Top13 A New Year and a New Assignment14 In the Valley15 Operation Fourth Term16 The Aftermath17 On the Move18 The Enemy Withdrawal Becomes a RoutTHE LONG WAY HOME19 Two Down and One to Go20 A Special Mission Carried Out from Varazze21 Preparing for Redeployment22 Three Down and We had Earned a Trip HomeBEYOND DERRICKS' DIARY23 Colonel Wendell Derricks24 Derricks' Legacy25 The Race Continues26 Success