Immigrants have played a larger role in the history of the US Armed Forces than most people realize. They join the army, not solely as a way of becoming a citizen, but because they feel a sense of duty and commitment to the new country they wish to call home. Here are a few outstanding examples.
Mexican Born Sergeant Rafael Peralta
The namesake behind the USS Rafael Peralta, Sergeant Peralta, was an infantry Marine with the First Battalion Third Regiment. During the second battle of Fallujah, he was fatally wounded when clearing a house with his squad in Iraq in 2004. His last act of heroism was throwing his injured body on a grenade, saving fellow infantrymen from death. In talking about his active heroism, Marine Corps General Robert Neller referred to Sergeant Peralta as a hero who wanted to serve his country. Peralta was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions.
Russian Born Rct. Maria Daume
Maria Daume’s life started in a Russian prison where she and her twin brother were born. They lived in a Russian prison until the death of their mother. At a young age, they were adopted by a Long Island family. At the age of 18, in March 2017, Maria Daume became the first female Marine to join the infantry via the traditional training pipeline. She said that she wanted to fight ISIS, and she wanted to be a grunt. She wanted to prove that females could successfully carry out this role.
Filipinos in the United States Navy
Since an executive order was signed by President William McKinley in 1901 permitting 500 Filipinos to enlist in the Navy, Filipino immigrants have had a profound effect on the US Armed Forces.
During WWII, more than 260,000 Filipinos fought on behalf of the United States. Alfonzo B. Velasco was a scout who fought for the US and died on May 5, 1942. His age at the time of death and the location of his burial are unknown.
Sadly, many of the Filipino vets who fought and who paid the ultimate sacrifice during WWII were denied the benefits promised for their service. Thankfully, times have changed. Filipino immigrants in the US military receive the full benefits promised them, and these benefits allow some of them to send money to the Philippines online to help families and support families living in the United States.
Recognizing the impact that Filipino World War II vets had in defending the United States, many Filipino World War II vets were awarded the Congressional Gold medal in 2017. That recognition came more than 70 years after these brave men and women sacrificed part of their youth for the United States.
Some of the Filipino WWII vets had already died before the awards ceremony, so their children and grandchildren accepted the awards for them. Speaking about the service of Filipino immigrants during World War II, then-House Speaker Paul Ryan said that “they never lost sight of the cause and they never accept defeat.”
Nigerian Born Francis Obaji
Francis Obaji was born in 1983 and immigrated to the United States in 1996. He was a track star with a stellar academic record. He studied microbiology at the College of Staten Island. His goal is to become a doctor.
In 2001, Francis Obaji witnessed the September 11 attacks and decided to join the military. His optimism and determination became hallmarks of his personality throughout his training and deployment to Iraq. On January 16, 2005, Francis Obaji died in a vehicle accident. Although Francis was born abroad, his valor exemplifies the ideals of an American hero.
These are just a few of the many examples of the impact that immigrants have had on the US Armed Forces. Many have served with distinction and demonstrated bravery and valor, setting an example for those who come after them.