In his book, "In Defense of the Nation: Black Iowans at War", William chronicles the contributions and trials of black soldiers from the Civil War to the Persian Gulf War . In his unique storytelling style, Morris shares the personal accounts and heroic actions of Black soldiers, along with an impressive set of photographs and documentation. Morris says every soldier he interviewed said essentially the same thing; "We didn't fight for America as it was; we fought for what America could become for our people." Iowa had more Tuskegee Airmen per capita, than any state in the nation and they were decorated with numerous military medals. Military service and personal sacrifice by these service men and women was the backbone of the economic, political and social advancement for African Americans. This book will inspire the next generation and expand their knowledge of Black achievement beyond slavery and racism.
