Title: History | Hispanics in the United States Army
Headings: 
History
Civil War
1861-1865
1850
Spanish-American War
1898
World War I
1914-1918
World War II
1939-1945
Korean War
1950-1953
Vietnam War
1959-1973
Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
1990-1991
1950
Profiles
War Against Terrorism/Contigency Operations
2003-Present
2000

Content: Despite relatively limited combat service in World War II, the regiment suffered casualties in the course of defending against enemy attacks, with individual Soldiers earning one Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and 90 Purple Hearts. The regiment received campaign participation credit for Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. According to House concurrent resolution 253, approximately 400,000 to 500,000 Hispanic service members served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Gen. Douglas MacArthur called the Arizona National Guard's 158th Infantry Regiment, the "Bushmasters," "One of the greatest fighting combat teams ever deployed for battle." The regiment was comprised of many Hispanic Soldiers. Pictured above: The illustration, "Cuidado - Take Care, Bushmasters!," depicts the 158th Infantry Regiment during the Bicol Campaign, Luzon, Philippine Islands, April 3-4, 1945. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Center of Military History. This proud Arizona National Guard unit, the 158th Infantry (Bushmasters), organized as the Arizona Volunteer Infantry for the Indian campaigns in 1865, had its motto, "Cuidado" -- Take Care.