Latinos in World War II: Fighting on Two Fronts

Overview

• Latinos have participated in every U.S. conflict, from the American Revolution to the current conflicts.
• Military service has been pivotal for Latinos seeking first-class citizenship in the U.S.

Mexican Americans in WWII

• Demographics: By 1940, many Mexican Americans were U.S.-born and strongly identified with the country.
• Service Participation:
  • Approximately 500,000 Mexican Americans served in WWII.
  • Example: Private Armando Flores felt a novel sense of belonging when referred to as "American."
• Non-combatant Contributions:
  • Latinas joined the Army's WACS, Navy's WAVES, etc.
  • Example: Maria Sally Salazar joined the Women Army Corps at age 19.
  • Defense industry jobs increased despite initial discrimination; Executive Order by FDR in 1941 banned such discrimination.
  • Family Involvement: Sanchez family exemplified wartime contribution.
• Combat Achievements:
  • Hero Street in Silvis, Illinois, sent 45 sons to war.
  • New Mexicans experienced the Bataan death march.
  • At least 11 Mexican Americans received the Medal of Honor, e.g., Joseph P. Martinez.
• Cultural Significance: Courage and willingness to serve attributed to cultural heritage.
• Post-war Challenges:
  • Continued inequality and discrimination faced by veterans.
  • Example: Silvestre Herrera Day in Arizona marred by discrimination.
  • Macario Garcia faced discrimination at a Texas café despite his Medal of Honor.

Civil Rights Movement

• Felix Longoria Incident:
  • Longoria's remains denied chapel access; led to intervention by Hector P. Garcia.
  • Resulted in Longoria's burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Sparked activism through the American G.I. Forum and LULAC.
  • Led to diminished overt segregation against Mexican Americans by the late 1950s.

Puerto Ricans in WWII

• Role in Military:
  • Initially limited to security and service roles.
  • 65th Infantry Regiment engaged in hemispheric defense.
  • Experience in medical experiments revealed racial inequality.
  • Late-war combat in Europe.
• Contributions in the U.S.:
  • Puerto Ricans participated in D-Day, Battle of the Bulge.
  • Examples of families with sons serving both from the island and mainland.
  • Puerto Rican aviators trained Tuskegee Airmen.

Korean War and Puerto Rican Politics

• 65th Infantry Regiment:
  • Fought extensively; engaged in significant combat.
  • Nicknamed the Boriqueneers.
  • High casualty rate due to extensive combat role.
• Political Implications:
  • Exemplified a partnership between Puerto Rico and the U.S.
  • Led to political changes: election of governors, Commonwealth status.
  • Aimed for maximum autonomy within the U.S.

Conclusion

• Latinos' military service during the 19th and 20th centuries provided both economic and social advantages.
• Their contributions are recognized as a significant aspect of U.S. military and civil rights history.