Joeziv (Joe) Hernandez
McNair Scholar 2023
- Major(s): Education
- Classification: Senior
- Anticipated Graduation Date: Fall 2024
- Career Aspirations: After attaining a bachelor’s degree, Joe plans to teach here in West Texas while attending graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in either educational leadership or history.
“Aside from the opportunity to conduct research and prepare for graduate school, the best part of the McNair Scholars Program is the connections I have made with my fellow cohorts on this journey. I enjoy knowing that we’re able to motivate and inspire each other to work hard towards our goals while still having fun in the process.” - Joe Hernandez
“Mexican Americans in World War II: Patriotism and Civil Rights”
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brian Ingrassia
Historians estimate that nearly 400,000 to 500,000 Mexican American men served in the US military during World War II. Their contributions also earned 12 Mexican American Medals of Honor. Although they faced discrimination and segregation within the United States, Mexican Americans rarely faced these problems within the U.S. military, especially among ranking officials. Although scholars have recently published works detailing Mexican Americans' participation in World War II, they vaguely explore their patriotic identities. The objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role Mexican American patriotism had in influencing their participation in World War II and served as a catalyst for a postwar civil rights movement.