Some were assigned to nursing, dental or clerical duties, however some women were assigned to units which were stationed in the European Theater of operations. Over 1,000 applications were received and 200 women served in the Puerto Rican WAC unit, Company 6, 2nd Battalion, 21st Regiment of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, a segregated Hispanic unit. World War II was the first conflict in which Puerto Rican women were allowed to serve in the U.S. These men formed the famed 99th Fighter Squadron. Puerto Rican officers trained the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. Those who resided in the mainland of the United States were assigned to regular units of the military and served either in the European or Pacific theaters of the war. Puerto Ricans from the island served in the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers, which participated in combat in the European Theater-in Germany and Central Europe. World War II ĭuring World War II, Puerto Ricans served in every military branch of the United States. Before the United States entered World War II, Puerto Ricans were already fighting on European soil, not only in the Rif War, but also on both sides of the Spanish Civil War. As members of the 396th Infantry Regiment, also known as the ' Harlem Hellfighters,' they were not allowed to fight alongside their white counterparts however, they were permitted to fight as members of a French unit in French uniforms and were awarded the French Croix de Guerre. In New York, many Puerto Ricans of African descent joined the 396th Infantry Regiment which was mostly composed of African Americans. As members of the 'Porto Rico Regiment' they were sent to Panama to guard and defend the Panama Canal Zone. In World War I Puerto Ricans opened fire, in what is considered to be the first shot of that war on behalf of the United States, on an armed German supply ship trying to force its way out of San Juan Bay.

10 Notable Puerto Ricans who served in the military.

6 18th century, Puerto Rico as a Spanish Province.

5 17th century, Puerto Rico as a Spanish Province.

However, with American citizenship, many Puerto Ricans, with the exception of women, became eligible for the military draft. For example, they were, and still are, not permitted to vote for the President of the United States, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, while residing on the island. Congress approved the Jones–Shafroth Act, which gave Puerto Ricans American citizenship with certain limitations. Upon the outbreak of World War I, the U.S. Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States upon the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. They also fought against the 'Tagalos' during the Philippine Revolution. At the end of the 19th century, Puerto Ricans fought alongside their Spanish counterparts in the Spanish–American War against the United States in the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba as members of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Puerto Rican Provisional Battalions and in Puerto Rico when the American military forces invaded the island, in what is known as the Puerto Rican Campaign. They also fought for Cuba's independence in the Ten Years' War alongside General Máximo Gómez and as members of the Cuban Liberation Army alongside José Martí. In Puerto Rico they revolted against Spanish rule and fought for Puerto Rico's independence in the Grito de Lares and in the Intentona de Yauco. They fought for Mexico's independence and in the Latin American wars of independence alongside Simón Bolívar.

They also fought against the Spanish Empire. Puerto Ricans such as Augusto Rodríguez, who resided in the United States in the mid-19th century, fought in the American Civil War. and in Europe against the forces of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Siege of Saragossa. They fought alongside General Bernardo de Gálvez during the American Revolutionary War in the battles of Baton Rouge, Mobile, Pensacola and St. They fought against the invasions of foreign countries and defeated the British, French, and Dutch in doing so. Puerto Ricans have fought and defended their homeland against attacks from the Caribs and pirates.

They have served and have fought for many countries, such as Canada, Cuba, England, Mexico, Spain, the United States and Venezuela. Throughout history Puerto Ricans, including people of Puerto Rican descent, have gained notability as members of the military.

Carlos santiago moneyhouse san juan