The Ghosts of Hero Street: How One Small Mexican-American

The Ghosts of Hero Street: How One Small Mexican-American Community Gave So Much in World War II and Korea

They came from one street in Silvis, Illinois, but death found them in many places . . .

. . .in a distant jungle, a frozen forest, and trapped in the flaming wreckage of a bomber blown from the sky. One died going over a fence during the greatest paratrooper assault in history. Another fell in the biggest battle of World War II. Yet another, riddled with bullets in an audacious act of heroism during a decisive onslaught a world, and a war, away.

All came from a single street in a railroad town called Silvis, Illinois, a tiny stretch of dirt barely a block-and-a-half long, with an unparalleled history.

The twenty-two Mexican-American families who lived on that one street sent fifty-seven of their children to fight in World War II and Koreaâ€”more than any other place that size anywhere in the country. Eight of those children died.

Itâ€™s a distinction recognized by the Department of Defense, and it earned that rutted, unpaved strip a distinguished name. Today itâ€™s known as Hero Street.

This is the story of those brave men and their families, how they fought both in battle and to be accepted in an American society that remained biased against them even after they returned home as heroes. Based on interviews with relatives, friends, and soldiers who served alongside the men, as well as personal letters and photographs, The Ghosts of Hero Street is the compelling and inspiring account of a street of soldiersâ€”and menâ€”who would not be denied their dignity or their honor.
Country USA
Manufacturer Dutton Caliber
Binding Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate 2014-05-06
Format Kindle eBook

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Dutton Caliber
Binding	Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate	2014-05-06
Format	Kindle eBook

The Ghosts of Hero Street: How One Small Mexican-American Community Gave So Much in World War II and Korea

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