Sammie's War depicts an African-American enlisted soldier's battle on two fronts during the First World War. Our main character, Sammie Lee Henderson begins his "combat duty" as a somewhat na ve but confident, intelligent young man, determined to use his talents in the war effort. Immediately after arriving on base, he must defend himself in the United States against a murder charge and systemic racism, before boarding a troop ship to defend our country overseas. Unlike his Caucasian counterparts, Sam's fight against the Germans was his second battle. He finds true love before heading off to Europe, but returns changed not only due to combat, but the oppression in his native land. The pain and anger take their toll on the young private. He never talks about the first battle again, leaving it for his wife Bessie to reveal almost 50 years later, and then only upon his death.
