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Portuguese-Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces

Throughout America’s history, Portuguese immigrants and their descendants have shown their patriotism and love for freedom by serving in the armed forces of the United States, both in times of peace and war. Portuguese-American soldiers, mostly of Azorean descent, have fought in practically every major American military conflict from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in the Middle East. They have served in all levels of the military chain of command, and some have been awarded the nation’s highest honors.

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Portuguese Americans in the Armed Services Throughout America’s history, Portuguese immigrants and their descendents have shown their patriotism and love for freedom by serving in the armed forces of the United States, both in times of peace and war.

Revolutionary War Era Immigration Many Portuguese Jews fleeing the Inquisition found their way to America in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Support for Independence Many in the Portuguese Jewish community of New England supported and participated in the struggle for American Independence.

Revolutionary War Patriots Portuguese immigrants served their adopted country.

Portuguese in the Civil War By the time the U.S. Civil War began in 1861, there were a significant number of Portuguese on the East Coast, many involved in the whaling and fishing industry ports of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Whaling and the Civil War Portuguese were on the front lines on land and at sea.

The Civil War Stone Fleet The Union Navy blockaded Confederate harbors by sinking old whaling ships.

The Dabney Family -- Friends of the Azores Generations of New England's Dabney Family fostered diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the Azores and helped the Union during the Civil War.

Portugal and the U.S. Civil War Though officially neutral, Portugal favored the Union in the U.S. Civil War.

Portuguese Civil War Veterans Many Portuguese immigrants served in the U.S. Civil War, these being a few of the most notable.

Portuguese-Americans in WWI Portuguese-Americans fought in WWI and supported the war effort financially.

WWI Impact on Fishing Fishing fleets were German U-boat targets.

Portugal in WWI Unlike other wars in which Portugal attempted to remain neutral, the Portuguese entered WWI when they declared war on Germany on November 13, 1914.

Portuguese WWI Veterans Many Portuguese immigrants served the U.S. in WWI, these being a few of the most notable.

Portuguese-Americans in WWII Military records indicate that tens of thousands Portuguese-Americans served in World War II. They were present or involved in all of the major battles and operations of the war from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the signing of the Japanese surrender on the U.S.S. Missouri on September 2, 1945.

Portugal in WWII Portuguese fascist dictator António Salazar did not enter WWII on the side of the Allies until mid-1943 when he approved British use of the airfield at Lajes, Terceira, in the Azores.

Portuguese WWII Veterans Many Portuguese immigrants served the U.S. in WWII, these being a few of the most notable.

The Korean War Often referred to as "The Forgotten War", it has never been declared officially over.

Portuguese-Americans in the Korean War When North Korea attacked South Korea, the United Nations viewed it as an attempt to spread Communism. As a result, forces from 16 countries joined to repel the north.

Portuguese Korean War Veterans Many Portuguese-Americans served the U.S. in Korea, these being a few of the most notable.

The Vietnam War The Vietnam War was America’s longest and most unpopular war of the 20th century.

Portuguese-Americans in the Vietnam War Whether recent immigrants or already established in American life, Portuguese-Americans served with honor in Vietnam.

Portuguese Vietnam War Veterans Many Portuguese-Americans served the U.S. in Vietnam, these being a few of the most notable.

Middle East Wars U.S. Forces have been involved in the Middle East for decades.

Portuguese-Americans in the Middle East Wars More assimilated than past generations that served in the U.S. Armed Services.

Portuguese Middle East War Veterans Many Portuguese-Americans have served and are currently serving the U.S. in the Middle East, these being a few of the most notable.

Portuguese Heritage Society Veterans Several members of our Board of Directors and their families have served in the U.S. Armed Services.

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