Includes bibliographical references (page 364).

The story of Joseph "Joe" LaNier, who at seventeen joined the segregated United States Navy in 1943. He became one of the first African-American Navy Seabees, shipping out to Iwo Jima in early 1945. After returning from the war, he completed his education in pharmaceutical studies in New Orleans. In spite of the color of his skin, he built a successful career as a pharmacist in several cities, including Denver where he worked, among other places, at National Jewish Hospital.