Alaska Territorial Guard

German and Japanese imperialism were the main causes of World War II.  When Japan began building its territory the U.S. Army was alarmed.  When the Japanese raided and occupied parts of Alaska the U.S Army responded with the development of the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG). The goal of the ATG was to be the “eyes and ears” of the U.S. Army during a very tenuous time.  The ATG recruited six thousand three hundred unpaid volunteers.  They trekked hundreds of miles across western Alaska.  These Alaskan Natives' contribution to the war effort in 1941 was valuable and brave.  They were prepared to defend their homeland and deserve more recognition.    

Sylvia Mendez

When it comes to striking down "separate but equal" most people think of Brown v Board of Education (1954).   But this was not the first time "separate but equal" was struck down. Mendez v Westminister struck it down in 1947. Sylvia Mendez is often forgotten by the history books.  She was a young Mexican girl who grew up in California during the 1940's.   Mendez had to attend a Mexican school which was strikingly inadequate compared to white schools.  In her Mexican school boys were introduced to agricultural labor and girls were taught house keeping.  Her petition to integrate the schools was heard by the Supreme Court over a 2 year span (1944-1946). 

There is a illustrated children's book entitled Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tontaiuh.  The book is about Sylvia Mendez and California segregation. 

Book Review: Ghost Boys

I have a great children's literature suggestion that seems especially timely.  Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes.  Teaching history from alternative points of view sheds light on new internal and external conflicts. 

Ruby Bradley

Nurses often work in the shadows of inspiring heroes and receive significantly less appreciation. Their work is  instrumental to any standing army.   West Virginia Army nurse Ruby Bradley’s record is one for the ages.  Her accomplishments and actions are inspiring and brave.  Bradley served as a combat nurse and a prisoner of war in the Philippines during World War II.  She assisted in hundreds of major operations on battlefields and was awarded two bronze stars.  She risked her life on many  occasions. She was one of the most decorated nurses in military history.  She was known as the ‘Angel in Fatigues.’  

Triple Nickles

The Triple Nickles (555th) were created during World War II.  The 555th were named after an infantry of Buffalo soldiers from the late 1800’s.  This colored unit was subject to racist laws and intolerance.  African American’s served in strictly supportive roles for the white soldiers at Fort Benning. Until Walter Morris decided to enact change.  He wrote a letter to his superiors suggesting the formation of an all black airborne unit.  He expected negative feedback or to be fired.  Instead he was granted his wish.  The white officers did not think they would last.  The group of soldiers were organized and rigorously trained. The group began with seventy volunteers and grew to the thousands.  In 1945 the Triple Nickles were used in Operation Firefly.  They fought fires in the Pacific Northwest set ablaze by thousands of Japanese balloon bombs  They were pioneers in combating forest fires.  Soon the Triple Nickles would be known as “Smokejumpers.”   They succeeded when no one thought they would.  His expression, “This is my county, This is my duty, This is my responsibility,” is powerful.