The Chicano in World War II
Host Richard Goodman examines the role of Chicanos in World War II and the effects of their participation on their community. Goodman explains that Chicanos were the most decorated ethnic group of World War II, but they have been the least recognized. Goodman describes several men who won awards for their bravery and skill, including Jose Martinez and Manuel Gonzalez.
The all-Chicano company “E” of the 141st regiment of 76th division of Texas one of the most significant infantry companies in the Mediterranean during the war. The soldiers of E company fought hard on the frontlines of the war in Italy. In 1944, they were ordered to cross the Rapido River and attack a German defensive position. While on patrol the company saw one of the strongest German fortifications they had ever seen, and tried to warn their superiors. They were ordered to cross anyway, and the entire company was killed in action. Raul Morin has argued that the army hushed up the incident and the company is not mentioned in any of the army’s histories.
Once back in the states, Chicano veterans found that the war had given them a newfound pride in their citizenship and identity, and they resented the continued discrimination they faced. In the wake of violent crimes against Chicano Veterans they formed civil rights and veteran's advocacy, some of which still exist to this day.
KEYWORDS
141st Regiment of the 76th division of Texas36th Division
7th Hourglass Division
Alaska
Aleutian Islands
All Chicano Company
Alt, Colorado
American GI Forum
American Legion
Among the Valiant
Bataan
Belonging
Carey McWilliams
Chicano Veterans
Chicanos
Citizenship
Company “E”
Congressional Medal of Honor
Disabled American Veterans
Discrimination
Distinguished Service Cross
Draft
Draftees
Elizalde Anti-Discrimination Committee
Enlisted Men
Ethnic Rivalry
Field Marshal Gerd Von Rundstedt
Gangs
Gender
General Walton Walker
Germans
GI Bill
Japan
Jose Martinez
Los Angeles
Lt. Gabriel Navarrete
Manuel Gonzalez "el feo”
Masculinity
Mexican American Company
Nazis
North From Mexico
Pachucos
Private first Class Daniel Elizalde
Racism
Rapido River
Raul Morín
Refused Service
Reichsmarshal Hermann Goering
Salerno
Servicemen
Sgt. Macario Garcia
Sugarland, Texas
Taos, New Mexico
Veterans
Walter Winchell’s Radio Program
World War II
Zoot Suit Riots