On December 1, 2025, readers will encounter a book that reshapes how we remember America’s entry into World War I. Marching Without Applause, the debut work by retired Army Colonel and ordained Catholic deacon Thomas Bradley, tells a story that history has too often left in the shadows: the fight for recognition and leadership by Black soldiers in the U.S. Army.
A Forgotten Chapter of History
When America joined the Great War in 1917, thousands of Black men volunteered to serve. Yet, despite their willingness to fight for freedom abroad, they faced entrenched prejudice at home. Leadership opportunities were denied, and the idea of Black officers was dismissed by many in power.
Bradley’s book brings to life the courageous lobbying efforts that led to the establishment of the first Army Officer Training Camp for Black men. Against resistance and doubt, these men persevered, demanding not only the right to serve but the right to lead. Their success marked a turning point in military history and racial progress.
Why This Story Matters
The importance of this milestone cannot be overstated. The creation of the camp was more than a military decision—it was a declaration that courage and competence know no color. It opened doors for generations of Black officers who would go on to shape the Army and the nation.
In telling this story, Bradley reminds us that progress often comes quietly, without applause, through the persistence of those who refuse to be silenced. Their march was not celebrated at the time, but its impact reverberates through history.
Racial and Historical Progress
Marching Without Applause is not just about war—it is about justice. It is about the dignity of men who believed in America enough to fight for it, even when America did not fully believe in them. Their struggle reflects the broader arc of racial progress in the United States, where each step forward has been hard-won, often overlooked, but always essential.
Bradley’s narrative invites readers to reflect on the sacrifices made in silence and the victories that paved the way for equality. It is a call to remember, to honor, and to continue the work of ensuring that leadership and opportunity are never restricted by race.
A Book for Our Time
The launch Marching Without Applause, we all can celebrate not only the men whose courage shaped history but also the author who has brought their voices back into the light. Bradley’s work is a gift to readers, historians, and communities seeking to understand the full story of America’s past.
This is a book for anyone who believes history should be told in full—especially the chapters that challenge us to see progress through the lens of struggle and resilience.
