THE AMERICAN STORY: WORLD WAR II Mr. Marinello * US History

WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES More than 150,000 women served as WACs (Woman’s Army Corp) during the war, and thousands were sent to the European and Pacific theaters. U.S. women also performed many kinds of non-military service in organizations such as the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), American Red Cross, and the United Service Organizations (USO).

WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES During the war, hundreds of thousands of women served across all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS)  Women serving in the Army, flying planes in assistive roles for the US Army Over 400 women were killed in action during World War II  Most serving a nurses

HISPANICS IN THE WAR The three largest Hispanic groups in the United States are Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans. Hispanic Americans fought in every major battle in the European Theatre of World War II Unlike African Americans who served during the war, Hispanic soldiers were not segregated into separate groups, though there were heavily Hispanic units.

NATIVE AMERICANS IN THE WAR Native American men enlisted at a disproportionate rate relative to other American ethnic groups, bringing a historically isolated people into contact with mainstream American culture. The Navajo viewed their veterans as a positive force, whose service and contact in the war portended progress for the tribe. Navajo Code Talkers were integral to winning the war effort.Navajo Code Talkers

AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE WAR While racial tensions and discrimination persisted, African Americans were able to serve during the war and take advantage of the G.I. Bill upon its conclusion. In 1944, the Golden Thirteen became the Navy's first African American commissioned officers. Executive Order 9981 is an executive order issued on July 26, 1948 by President Harry S. Truman.  It abolished racial discrimination in the armed forces and eventually led to the end of segregation in the services.

THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN Racial segregation was still law in the American south and military units were segregated as well Before the Tuskegee Airmen, no African-American had ever served as a pilot in the US armed forcesTuskegee Airmen Were integral in liberating Italy Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. served as commander of the famed Tuskegee Airmen during the War.  He later went on to become the first African American general in the United States Air Force.