Hispanics and the Medal of Honor — Throughout American history, Hispanic Americans have fought valiantly in American wars and conflicts. Proving their devotion to their sometimes adopted country, Hispanic Americans have ser... more »ved to protect America and American interests at home and abroad, at times making the supreme sacrifice of giving their lives. This documentary celebrates the contributions of Hispanic Americans who have earned the nation?s highest honor and award, The Congressional Medal of Honor. To date, forty Hispanic Americans have received this prestigious award. Hispanics and the Medal of Honor highlights some of these recipients who acted with extraordinary bravery and rose above and beyond the call of duty. Hispanics and the Medal of Honor would be useful for classes on American History, Hispanic American History, Military History, Immigration History and American Cultural History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
OBJECTIVES
Students will learn about the contributions of Hispanic Americans in America?s conflicts and wars. They will learn the ways in which Hispanic Americans have sacrificed their safety and their own lives for their country and their fellow soldiers.
NATIONAL HISTORY STANDARDS
Hispanics and the Medal of Honor fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for eras 8-10.
Vocabulary
? composure
? epitomize
? exemplify
? initiative
? personify
? recognized
? reconnaissance
? staccato
? unbeknownst
? undaunted
? unscathed
? valor
Discussion Questions
1. To date forty Hispanic Americans have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. What is the Congressional Medal of Honor? Why is it such an important award?
2. Who awards the Congressional Medal of Honor?
3. Discuss the long history of Hispanic Americans serving in the US armed forces.
4. Rudy Hernandez is one recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. How did Rudy earn this award?
5. Discuss how Rudy Hernandez?s childhood helped to prepare him to face the hardships and obstacles of war.
6. The medics declared Rudy Hernandez dead on the battlefield. Why?
7. What injuries did Rudy Hernandez suffer in battle?
8. Alfred Rascon was an immigrant when he served in the army. How did he become a US citizen?
9. Why did Alfred Rascon join the army?
10. Alfred Rascon was a medic in the army. What is the job of a medic?
11. What did Alfred Rascon do to deserve the Congressional Medal of Honor?
12. Silvestre Herrera?s family has a long history of military service. Discuss the contributions of the Herrera family to the United States.
13. Why did Silvestre Herrera enlist during World War II?
14. Discuss Silvestre Herrera?s heroic feat.
15. How did the city of Phoenix show its gratitude to Silvestre Herrera?
16. What was Lucian Adams? platoon attempting to do when he became a hero?
17. How did Lucian Adams become a hero?
18. Lucian Adams did not receive as much as a scratch during his heroic feat. How does Lucian Adams explain his luck?
19. Discuss the story of Eugene Obregon. What does his story epitomize?
20. What was the heroic act that cost Eugene Obregon his life?
Extended Activities
1. Design a memorial for Hispanic Americans who have bravely served in America?s armed forces.
2. What are the cultural contributions of Hispanic Americans? Create a poster, brochure or mobile in which you illustrate some of the contributions of Hispanic culture to American culture.
3. Write a short biography of a famous Hispanic American.
4. Create an advertisement for the play Los Veteranos.« less
Genres:Documentary Sub-Genres:Documentary Studio:A&E Home Video Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 06/24/2008 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2002 Release Year: 2008 Run Time: 0hr 50min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 1 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English