The Life and Times of Sergeant José M. López

Manuel F. Medrano

doi:10.5771/9781666917840

Summary

World War II was a turning point in US history, and its impact on Latinas and Latinos was life changing. Women served in the military, worked in civilian and war-related factories, and toiled in the fields. Nearly half-million men served in the armed forces from throughout the country, and thousands were recognized for their courage. Twelve received the highest commendation, the Congressional Medal of Honor. This book examines one, Jose M. Lopez, who was born into abject poverty in Mexico and immigrated at a young age to the Rio Grande Valley and became one of the most decorated soldiers in history. Singlehandedly, Lopez prevented hundreds of German soldiers German and a Tiger Tank from attacking his company. He became a national hero yet returned to the segregation and discrimination he had left. Lopez and his military brethren realized that if they were American enough to fight for their country, they were American enough to be treated equally in it. To achieve this equality, court decisions, civil rights legislation, and veteran’s organizations became part of postwar agenda. Latinos had paid their dues and expected respect in their country.

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Bibliographic data

Copyright year: 2022
ISBN-Print: 978-1-6669-1783-3
ISBN-Online: 978-1-6669-1784-0
Publisher: Lexington, Lanham
Language: English
Pages: 118
Product type: Book Titles

1. Contents No access
2. 1. Note No access
3. Acknowledgments No access
1. Notes No access
Chapter 1: The Way Things Occur: Operation Castaña—the Urgency of Oral History for Latinos No access Pages 3 - 4
1. Notes No access
1. Notes No access
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1. When the War Was Over No access
2. Notes No access
1. Notes No access
Appendix No access Pages 97 - 102
1. Books and Articles No access
2. Newspaper Articles No access
3. Author Interviews No access
4. Interviews Not Conducted by Author No access
5. Unpublished Materials No access
6. Archives Consulted No access
7. Conferences, Hearings, Events No access
8. Comments and Eulogies—Church and Funeral Services in San Antonio No access
Index No access Pages 111 - 116
About the Author No access Pages 117 - 118