Special Forces

Special Forces Tuskegee Airmen- A group of very dedicated African Americans who flew as the first African American airmen. Navajo Code Talkers- A group of Navajo trained in a code based on their language. The code was never broken 442nd Regimental Combat Team- An all Japanese-American group of infantry soldiers that saw some of the most brutal combat Why is it surprising that these groups would show such patriotism during a time of war?

Tuskegee Airmen

Background At the beginning of the war, African Americans and white Americans lived in a “separate, but equal” world Segregation de jure (South) Segregation de facto (North) Voting was constitutional, but African Americans were subject to poll tax and grandfather clause in the south. Lynching was still prevalent. Unequal education opportunities and employment opportunities

The Tuskegee Airmen College graduates or undergraduates Established the highest grade point average as group in the military. This has not been met still to this day. Thought to be less intelligent and unable to operate machinery due to biological differences

Accomplishments in WWII Served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy At first, they saw no direct combat. They were sent on missions to bomb targets. After some intense protest, the airmen were sent to Sicily for their first battle. Here they experienced their first victory. They went on to fight German forces throughout Italy Won two Distinguished Unit Citations (the military’s highest commendation).

Questions for Tuskegee Airmen Clip What were some of the major points made by the Major when he spoke to the new cadets? What were some the major points made by the second officer when he spoke to the new cadets? What are some reasons why the cadets may want to join the military? What do all of the cadets have in common? Clip 2 Make a T-Chart. On one side place Senator Conyers and on the other side place Benjamin O. Davis. List the points they make in the session. Use Chapter 2; Play until Clip 1- Start at Chapter 2, end with the scene where they all list their colleges/Clip 2- Start on Ch. 11 and fast forward until you get to senate meeting

Clip 1 Use Chapter 2; Play until Clip 1- Start at Chapter 2, end with the scene where they all list their colleges/Clip 2- Start on Ch. 11 and fast forward until you get to senate meeting

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442nd Regimental Combat Team

WWII Questionnaires were given in Internment camps that asked men if they would be willing to serve in the armed forces. 75% responded “Yes.” When asked to volunteer- 10,000 volunteer from Hawaii. 1,256 volunteered from the mainland. In the end, only 3,000 were inducted Forbidden to fight in the Pacific Theater. Served in North Africa and Italy Casualty rate of 93%, wounded soldier with trench foot were forced back to the front lines Received 2,486 Purple Hearts (an award given to those that were wounded or dead in battle). 21 soldiers received medals of honor (given in 2000).

Navajo Code Talkers

Background In some states, one could find three separate drinking fountains labeled (“Whites,” “Colored,” and “Indian”) Forced onto Reservations. “Long Walk”- Navajo were forced onto a reservation in New Mexico. Their land was scorched, cattle were killed, and thousands of Navajo were killed.

Code Talkers Served in the Marines transmitting messages in their native language. Japanese were unable to break code even if they had studied in the U.S. Fought in the Pacific Theatre All received the Congressional Silver Medal in 2002 (57 years after the war ended)

Clips from Wind Talkers What type of training do the Navajo code talkers endure? What type of job is Anders assigned to? What happened to the Navajo that was captured by the Japanese? What do you think the Officer means when he says that Anders “must protect the code at all costs” ? Clip 2 What is the Japanese response to the code? How is the US military respond to the code? What is the result? Clip 3 Provide a summary of what happens in the scene. How does this scene show the idea that minorities fighting in WWII were really fighting two wars? Clip 1- Start at Scene 4. Fast forward to Navajo training scene. Stop after Anders is given assignment. Clip 2- Start at Scene 11- Stop right after all of the bombings. Clip 3- Start at Scene 13. End after the fight scene

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Summary Why do you think these three groups of soldiers were so highly decorated or commended?