Brian G. Shellum is a retired senior consultant with the Department of Defense. Previously, he worked as a historian at the Defense Intelligence Agency and was a U.S. Army officer. He is the author of several books on defence and racial issues.
Fascinating and extremely important. . . . This work will prove to be an essential reference for anyone who writes, studies, or is otherwise interested in this period of Liberian, military, or African American history. --Charles A. Wash Jr., executive director of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center-- (09/18/2017) A seminal contribution to military history, presenting the exemplary qualities of leadership, professionalism, and resilience that have relevance today. This book is worth reading by historians and history buffs alike. --Fombah Sirleaf, director of Liberia National Security Agency-- (09/18/2017) This work should be read by anyone interested in the creation of effective armed forces in corrupt Third World countries, and it also throws light on America's quasi-official protectorate in Liberia and the careers of black officers in the segregated army. --Jerry Trombella, NYMAS Review--Jerry Trombella NYMAS Review This book offers a well-written and well-researched account of how seventeen African American officers strove to help Liberia develop an effective defense force. . . . Those interested in black military history will find this volume to be a sad but fascinating read. --Roger D. Cunningham, Journal of America's Military Past--Roger D. Cunningham Journal of America's Military Past I didn't know that for several decades in the early 20th century, the United States Army had a training, advising and leading mission in Liberia. What's more, most of the officers who carried out the mission were black Americans. Brian G. Shellum, a retired Army tank and intelligence officer, does a workmanlike job of relating this neglected tale. --Thomas E. Ricks, New York Times Book Review-- (11/09/2018) African American Officers in Liberia is lively true story of black Americans given unusual responsibility at a time when civil rights was barely a dream. --David Luhrssen, Shepherd Express--David Luhrssen Shepherd Express (09/20/2018) A monumental piece of missing American history. . . . A poignant reminder of how African Americans willingly served their country steadfastly in extremely challenging and controversial assignments. --Krewasky A. Salter, curator for military history at the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of African American History and Culture-- (09/18/2017)