The Mexican American Experience, a radio program produced by the Longhorn Radio Network, includes interviews, music, and informational programs related to the Mexican American community and their concerns. Program summary: 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. 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 Texas, 36th 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. Broadcast date: 1977-01-14.
Creator/Contributor:
Longhorn Radio Network (creator) and Goodman, Richard (host)
Date Created/Date Issued:
1/14/1977
Owning Repository:
Benson Latin American Collection, LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections, The University of Texas at Austin