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Vietnam Vet's Black Unit Story Finally Told
26 Jan
Summary
- Documentary "Soul Patrol" honors overlooked Black soldiers in Vietnam.
- Filmmakers Ed Emmanuel and Jason Harper brought the story to screen.
- The film highlights Black soldiers' experiences and war trauma.
Filmmaker Ed Emmanuel, a Vietnam veteran, has finally brought his documentary "Soul Patrol" to the screen after years of effort. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, the film shines a light on the experiences of an all-Black special operations team during the Vietnam War.
Directed by Jason Harper, the documentary utilizes Super 8 film shot by the soldiers, archival footage, and interviews to recount their stories. It delves into the challenging reality of being Black soldiers fighting in a pivotal war, highlighting their camaraderie and the distinct challenges they faced.
Beyond recounting their wartime experiences, "Soul Patrol" also addresses the enduring trauma of combat that continues to affect Emmanuel and his fellow veterans. The film's release coincides with ongoing efforts to address the historical erasure of Black soldiers' contributions to American military history, a concern echoed by journalist Jesse Lewis.
