Hispanic Americans in World War I
But America's participation in the war lasted only from April 1917 to November 1918. As a result, many soldiers did not have the opportunity to go overseas and into combat. However, one Hispanic-American soldier received the Medal of Honor for his services in the war, while a Private Serna single-handedly captured 24 German soldiers in France. For his courageous efforts, Private Serna received the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, the Victory Medal with three bars, and two Purple Hearts. Mexican Americans faced a different fate as the war developed.
Primary and Secondary Source Analysis: Marcelino Serna and Mexican Americans
Directions: Read the Primary Source 1 and write down how Marcelino Serna became the first Hispanic World War I hero using Soapstone Analysis. Read the secondary source below from the Journal of Ethic and Migration Studies and write down the effects and reactions of World War I on Mexican Americans.