
Member Reviews

Black soldiers white lies is a deeply researched and compelling account of one of the most significant yet overlooked episodes of racial injustice in American military history. With meticulous attention to detail, Haymond reconstructs the tragic events of August 23, 1917, and their devastating aftermath, bringing to light the systemic racism that shaped the trials and punishments of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment. His writing is both evocative and urgent, ensuring that this dark chapter is no longer consigned to obscurity.
That said, the book takes its time weaving through the many layers of the story. The opening chapters, while rich in historical context, move deliberately, introducing figures and events in a way that can feel meandering. The connections between the soldiers' actions, the legal proceedings, and the broader racial tensions of the time are slow to come into full focus. While this measured approach ultimately pays off—deepening the reader’s understanding of the institutional forces at play—it requires patience, particularly in the beginning.
Once the narrative gains momentum, however, Haymond’s account becomes gripping. The court-martials, riddled with injustice, are rendered with striking clarity, and the sheer scale of the legal and moral failures becomes undeniable. The latter sections, which detail the long-overdue clemency granted in 2023, provide a powerful sense of resolution—one that underscores both the weight of history and the possibility of righting past wrongs.
Despite its occasionally slow pacing, This is an essential read. Haymond’s dedication to uncovering the full truth behind this tragedy ensures that these soldiers’ stories are finally heard, and his work serves as a poignant reminder that justice, even when delayed, must never be abandoned