Black Soldiers Fought Two Wars During Vietnam

Acclaimed author Wil Haygood explores the Black experience in Vietnam and at home in his new book

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:13am

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A cinematic painting depicting a lone Black soldier in uniform standing on a dimly lit urban street corner, the warm sunlight casting deep shadows across his face and surroundings, conveying the complex emotions and experiences of the Vietnam War era.A poignant portrait reflecting the dual battles faced by Black soldiers who fought for freedom abroad while struggling for equality at home during the Vietnam War era.Columbus Today

Acclaimed author Wil Haygood, a Columbus native, has written a new book called "The War Within a War: The Black Struggle in Vietnam and at Home." The book explores how Black soldiers fought not only in the Vietnam War, but also a "war within a war" against racism and inequality back home in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement. Haygood was inspired to write the book in part by his own experiences growing up in Columbus and witnessing the struggles of young Black men like Skip Dunn, who volunteered to fight in Vietnam.

Why it matters

Haygood's book sheds light on the hypocrisy of America's involvement in foreign wars while failing to address racial injustice at home. It also highlights the disproportionate sacrifice of Black soldiers during the Vietnam War, who made up a significant portion of frontline combat troops despite representing only 10% of the overall U.S. population at the time.

The details

Haygood's research found that after previous wars, there were often "explosive racial riots throughout this country because there was a fear that Black soldiers had learned how to use weapons and that they were going to bring those skills back to defend their communities." However, he notes that most Black protests during the Civil Rights Movement were nonviolent, despite the violence they faced from white resistance. Haygood also discusses how the Trump administration's attempts to "erase history" by banning books about Black history and heroes has been met with outrage from both Black and white veterans.

  • Haygood grew up on the East Side of Columbus in the 1960s, witnessing the struggles of young Black men like Skip Dunn who volunteered for the Marines to fight in Vietnam.
  • Haygood's new book, "The War Within a War," was recently launched in 2026.

The players

Wil Haygood

An acclaimed author and Columbus native who has written several books, including "The Butler: A Witness to History" and "Tigerland: 1968–1969: A City Divided, A Nation Torn Apart, And A Magical Season Of Healing." Haygood is currently a scholar-in-residence at Miami University.

Skip Dunn

A young man from Haygood's Columbus neighborhood who volunteered for the Marines and fought in the Vietnam War, his story and photo gracing the cover of Haygood's new book.

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What they’re saying

“I have always been fascinated that the country seems addicted to war — to blood and guts — starting with the (Revolutionary) War. That war was staged over freedom. Here we are again, 200-plus years later, still having racial battles and political battles about our rights as a people in a nation.”

— Wil Haygood, Author

“It used to be a mantra: 'Walk softly and carry a big stick.' Now that seems to have morphed into 'Talk loud, threaten, and carry a super-gigantic stick.' And we know it's hard to start these wars; it's hard to end them. We were in Vietnam for 12-plus years.”

— Wil Haygood, Author

What’s next

Haygood's book "The War Within a War" is expected to spark further discussions and reflections on the complex history of race, war, and patriotism in America.

The takeaway

Haygood's book provides a powerful and nuanced perspective on the experiences of Black soldiers during the Vietnam War, highlighting their dual battles against foreign enemies and domestic racism. It serves as a sobering reminder of the hypocrisy of America's foreign interventions and the ongoing struggle for true equality and justice.