As protests raged throughout the United States, soldiers in Vietnam fought for their lives. Upon their return, they were treated with disdain for conspiring with an evil government. In reality, they were just small pieces in a larger, complicated game. But they were more than that. They were also Americans.

Growing up in Cleveland presented author Ralph Harris with unique challenges. He-a young black man-was constantly stopped by police wanting to know what he was doing driving through their white suburbs. Meanwhile, he watched the areas in which his family and friends were allowed...