Introduction

German heritage is one of the most common ancestries in the United States. Yet, during times of national conflict, particularly World Wars I and II, how did this ancestry impact military service? This article explores the experiences of German Americans and their contributions to the military, addressing both challenges and advantages.

World War I

During World War I, the United States entered on the side of Britain and France, aligning against Germany. The Germans were portrayed as barbaric and compared to the Huns. This period saw significant tensions among Americans of different backgrounds, with German Americans often supporting Germany while others favored France and Britain. However, overall, the overwhelming majority chose to side with the Allies.

One key aspect of the war was the renaming of German terms. Classes that taught German were suspended, sauerkraut was renamed liberty cabbage, and hamburgers became known as liberty steaks. This reflects the national sentiment towards de-Germanization efforts to rally against the perceived enemy.

There were instances of discrimination, such as the lynch mob violence against German Americans. For example, Robert Prager was lynched, not by a German but by a mob against him. While instances like these highlight the dark side, they were not representative of the general public sentiment.

After the Zimmermann Telegram became public, national sentiment shifted towards patriotism, and the perception of Germany as a threat intensified. Despite this, most German Americans were willing to serve in the Allied cause, recognizing the need to protect their adopted homeland.

World War II

During World War II, the situation was somewhat more complex. A small active American Nazi party existed, and there were instances of German Americans returning to Germany with American-born children. However, these actions were not widespread.

The war saw a different narrative, with the Germans being viewed as the more aggressive party, and Hitler being perceived negatively. American military forces, including the U.S. Navy and merchant marine, were actively combating the Germans in the North Atlantic long before the country officially entered the conflict.

Ironically, some of the best military commanders came from German ancestry. Notably, General Dwight Eisenhower, Admiral Chester Nimitz, and General John J. Pershing (who led the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I), all had German roots. This demonstrates the unexpected strength and capability that could emerge even among those with a German heritage.

Successful Contributions and Integration

Despite the challenges, German Americans made significant contributions to the military. Many served effectively in roles where language skills were crucial, such as interpreters and interrogators. This underscores the adaptability and integration of immigrants into American society.

A notable example is William G Sebold, a former German Army Engineer who became a double agent, leading to the dismantling of the Duquesne Spy Ring. This illustrates that immigrants often possess unique talents and perspectives that can benefit the nation.

The experiences of German Americans during World War I and II highlight the resilience and patriotic spirit of immigrants. While there were certainly challenges and instances of discrimination, the overwhelming majority chose to be loyal to the United States and contribute to its defense. This underscores the strength and value that immigrants bring to the country.

Moreover, history shows that immigrants are one of America's greatest strengths, with higher rates of entrepreneurship and active service in the military. The choice to come to the United States is often made with the intention of contributing positively to the nation.