The history we know is sometimes incomplete. The stories we get are those shaded by time or cultural perspectives of the day. Historical accounts of African Americans during the Civil War vary. Some aspects, such as their involvement in military activities are generally not well known, if at all. Anthony B. Cochran's Out of the Storm: A Legacy is an important addition to the bookshelves of historians and genealogists because it showcases African Americans' heroism during the Civil War, not their servitude.

Out of the Storm lists African American recipients of the Medal of Honor for service performed during the Civil War. It also identifies other previously unrecognized African Americans who performed feats of valor and heroism on the battlefield. Cochran, who studied history in college, provides genealogical information for as many of these soldiers as possible. As a US veteran, of the Vietnam War, Cochran also includes excerpts of battlefield reports detailing challenges, battlefield strategy and tactical planning involving units of African American soldiers.