Role and Experiences of Hispanic Soldiers During the World War II Era

摘要

This study examines the role and experiences of the United States Army Hispanicsoldier during the World War II era. Historians have largely overlooked the participation of Hispanic soldiers in recording the history of the nation's major wars, in particular, World War II (WW II). This study focuses on Hispanic contributions to the nation's defense from the American Revolution up to World War II; the roles and contributions of Hispanic supporters on the home front in the communities and the war industries; and the personal experiences of two Hispanic World War II veterans, one male and one female soldier. This study reinforced that Hispanic Americans are an amalgamation of diverse ethnic heritages bound together by a common culture and language. Hispanic Americans include: Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and Central and South Americans. They are all American citizens; however, their contributions to military history are largely undocumented and unknown to most Americans. The study concludes that because Hispanics largely served in integrated units they did not face overt discrimination. There were no institutional limitations to their service. They contributed honorably on the home front and in the service of their country. Their smooth assimilation into the service contributed to a lack of focus and attention to their contributions and experience as a separate and unique ethnic group.