Armenian Americans served with patriotism during World War II
The Armenian American community during World War II: Patriotism amid anxieties
During World War II, approximately 18,000 Armenian Americans served in the U.S. armed forces, eager to demonstrate patriotism and counter "foreigner" stereotypes directed at ethnic minorities. However, their experience differed from other American soldiers due to their parents' backgrounds as Armenian Genocide survivors who had immigrated between 1918 and 1924.
The survivor generation approached America's entry into World War II with deep anxiety, having witnessed unimaginable horrors. Armenian mothers grieved as sons received induction notices, and departures for military service became traumatic family events. Despite their anguish, Armenian parents recognized America's refuge and opportunities, largely supporting their sons' service. Veterans recalled parents as "heartbroken but patriotic." Writer William Saroyan later explored these shared experiences of ethnic American veterans in his 1948 short story "The Foreigner."
