Perhaps we need some latino sailors... Maybe specifically Puerto Ricans (*waves flag*).
For example... Marion Frederic Ramirez de Arellano.. Served as division officer on the USS Pickerel. For his contributions on the Pickerel, he was awarded the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit. He was later assigned to the USS Skate (Balao class) where he earned a second Silver Star.
In April 1944 he was given command of the USS Balao for three patrols and later moved on to command Submarine Division 16.
There were a few Puerto Rican admirals too. Yet despite many prominent puerto ricans in service... the majority of puerto ricans served in the segregated 65th Infantry Regiment with little respect. It wasn't until after WWII when they held off the entire 3rd Infantry Division during training exercises did the Army take notice of them. They went on to serve in the Korean War, mainly given suicide missions. Were highly decorated, but suffered disproportionate casualties... up until they finally refused to be sent to their deaths, the entire officer corps was courtmartialed and replaced with white, continental officers. Years later, all of the court martialed were pardoned.
-m
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