The American Military in WWII 1941 - 1945

The G.I. War “Government Issue” term for all soldiers sailors and aviators.

G.I. Joe? Created in 1942 by Army Cartoonist. Became common term for Soldier and a popular series of books, comics, movies and toys.

Diversity in the Armed Forces 300,000 Mexican Americans 1 million African Americans 350,000 Women 25, 000 Native Americans

Personnel shortage allowed women into all positions EXCEPT combat. Women in the military Personnel shortage allowed women into all positions EXCEPT combat. Clerks, typists, air traffic control, mechanics, photographers, drivers. Towed practice targets for anti-aircraft gunners. WAAC / WAC (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps) WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) Navy

Native Americans US needed a code that the Japanese couldn’t break. Used unwritten Native American languages that Japanese knew nothing about. Wind Talkers / Code Talkers

African Americans in the Military At first limited African Americans to supporting roles Cooks, drivers, garbage pick up After 1942 – gave opportunities to fight. Segregated units (like WWI)

Tuskegee Airman Black Fighter and Bomber Pilots trained in Alabama Movie: “Redtails” 99th Pursuit Squadron

USS Mason (DE-529) Only all Black Navy Destroyer – One of two all African American ships in Navy. Movie: “Proud”

Montford Point Marines Segregated Training camp in N.C. for Black Marines – Only used in WWII era – 20,000 Marines trained there. “Hashmark” Johnson, 1st A.A. USMC Drill Instructor.

Double V Campaign V stands for Victory. The “Double V” Campaign - a goal for African Americans to defeat racism overseas (Hitler/Hirohito) and racism at home in the U.S.

Desegregation of the Military Executive Order 9981 issued in July 1948 by President Harry S. Truman that abolished racial discrimination in the military and led to the end of segregation in the services.