The Life and Times of Sergeant Jose M. Lopez: Mexican by Birth, American by Valor

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. Twelve received the Congressional Medal of Honor, but Lopez returned to segregation and discrimination. Court decisions, civil rights legislation, and veterans organizations became part of the postwar agenda to achieve equality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

World War II was a significant turning point in US history, and its impact on Latinas and Latinos was profound. Women played a crucial role in the war effort, serving in the military, working in civilian and war-related factories, and toiling 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 of these heroes, Jose M. Lopez, who was born into abject poverty in Mexico and immigrated to the Rio Grande Valley at a young age. Lopez single-handedly prevented hundreds of German soldiers and a Tiger Tank from attacking his company. He became a national hero, but returned to the segregation and discrimination he had left behind. 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 veterans organizations became part of the postwar agenda. Latinos had paid their dues and expected respect in their country.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 236 x 158 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666917833