The United States officially entered World War II when the Japan bombed the U.S. Pacific Fleet that was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  About a million African Americans joined the military to fight the Axis Powers, composed of Germany, Italy, and Japan.  The Army formed African American units and the Army Air Corps trained 1,000 black pilots – the Tuskegee Airmen.  There were almost 4,000 black women in the Women’s Army Corps.  In the Navy, blacks were only allowed as messmen.[1]  As in World War I, CapeVerdeans made up part of this greater whole.  

Manuel A. Allemao, Sr. (15 August 1885 – March 1940) and his wife, Zulmira (Duarte) Alleamo (05 October 1896 – 03 December 1968), were both born in Brava, Cape Verde.  In the 1930 Census, the Allemaos were described as Mulatto.[2]  They had two sons who participated in the military.  They were Antonio M. Allemao and John M. Allemao.    

Antonio M. Allemao was born on 14 April 1917 in New Bedford, Mass. and lived in Hartford, Connecticut.  Upon his enlistment on 12 January 1943 in Boston,Massachusetts, Allemao was categorized as a single White, with dependents, and four years of high school.[3]  He entered as a Private in the Army during World War II.  He later married Nora (Davis) Allemao.[4]  Allemao worked at the Sealtest Creamery in Hartford, for 30 years, before he became employed in the accounting department at Sealtest Credit Union.[5]  He attended Christ The King Church and resided in Bloomfield, Connecticut for the last 33 years of his life.[6]  Allemao died, at 79 years old, in his Brookline Avenue home on Thursday, May 16, 1996.[7] 

 John M. Allemao was born on 25 November 1918 in New Bedford.  He commenced his education in the New Bedford school system, left for two years to help support his family, and returned to school to graduate in 1939.  He was drafted on 13 April 1943 as a Private, to serve in World War II.  Allemao was considered a single White, without any dependents, and four years of high school education.[8]  He was “involved in five different campaigns, becoming a first sergeant.  At the end of the war, he was released to the Army Reserves and served in the Korean Conflict.”[9]  His time in service in Korea was from 12 October 1950 to 10 August 1951.[10]  Allemao retired as a chief warrant officer, level 4, in 1978.  He was a member of the Cape Verdean Association, the Portuguese American Veterans, the American Legion, Retired Officers Association, the Military Order of World Wars, National Association of Uniform Services, past commander of the East Freetown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6643, past commander of the Greater New Bedford Veterans Association, and a member of the American Association of Retired Persons.

Mr. Allemao was a shipping supervisor at Colonial Textile and Grinnell Pajamas.  He spent the majority of his life in Acushnet.  He was married to Lillian (Lima) Allemao for 54 years and had three daughters and seven grandchildren.  He died, at 85 years old, in his Acushnet home on Tuesday, 16 December 2003.  He was buried in the VeteransNational Cemetery, Bourne, Mass.

Anthony J. "Rico" Almeida, born on 09 June 1921 in New Bedford to Joaquim and Gertrude (Souza) Almeida, was a lifelong resident of the city.  The 1920 Census shows that the said Joe K. and Gertrude Almeida were Mulattoes who were born in Portugal, which suggests a Cape Verdean heritage.[11]  He attended New Bedford schools, and graduated from New BedfordVocational High School in 1942.  Almeida enlisted as a Private on 29 May 1944 in Fort Devens, Mass.  He was described as a married White, with three years of high school education.[12]  “During World War II, he served in the Army with the 969th Field Artillery Battalion; he fought in Central Europe. He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.”[13]  He attained the rank of sergeant while in the military.[14]   

 Almeida worked at Rodney Metals for over 40 years and retired as superintendent of maintenance. He was a member of the 9-18 Golf Club, Whaling City Golf Course, and a communicant of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch.  Almeida was married to Emily Ambra (Ramos) Almeida for 61 years, through which a son, two daughters, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren were produced.  Almeida died, at 82 years old, on Tuesday, July 1, 2003, at Blaire House after a long illness.[15] 

Antone “Tony” Almeida was born, on 24 November 1917 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to Marcos and Julia (Cruz) Almeida.  The 1920 identifies Marcus and Julia Almeida as Blacks born in Portugal.[16]  However, port records indicate that Julia Almeida was from Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde.  She took several trips to the United States to meet her husband.  Julia Alalia Almeida arrived in 6 August 1905 to meet Marcos J. Almeida.[17]  Julia Eulalia Almeida returned to the United States in 19 September 1908 to meet Marcos Almeida.[18]  A final return trip took place in 4 October 1914 between the couple.  This last trip proves conclusively that these Julias are all one and the same.  It shows three of Antone Almeida’s siblings are included in the visit back to Cape Verde.[19]  At the time of the 1930 Census,Cape Verde was still a part of Portugal, and immigrants from Cape Verde could accurately state that they were emigrants of Portugal.  Additionally, Almeida’s sister, Emelia J. Almeida, was a member of the Cape Verdeans Women's Club.[20]  Thus, it becomes clear that Antone Almeida’s parents were emigrants from Cape Verde.  

Antone Almeida “was a retired Merchant Marine seaman who served on various cargo ships during World War II and the Korean Conflict.” [21]  When he enlisted on 21 February 1941, Almeida was categorized as a single White with no dependents and a grammar school education.[22]  He spent his military service under the Coast Guard.[23]  He married Maria Britto and had a son, a granddaughter, and four great-grandchildren.[24]  He was a life-time member of the Merchant Mariners Social Club, Inc., in which he held position as president and treasurer.  Mr. Almeida was a 32nd degree Mason, master and life member of Union Lodge 4, St. Phillips Chapter 3, The Holy Sepulcher Consistory 17, and the SyriaTemple 13.  He was also a communicant of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch.  Almeida succumbed to illness on 11 April 1999 in New Bedford.[25] 

 Antone J. Anacleto was born in New Bedford, to John M. and Dominga (Gilmette) Anacleto.  The 1930 Census shows that both John and Domingo [sic] Anacleto were born in Cape Verde.[26]  He lived most of his life in Dartmouth.  “A World War II veteran, he served in the American Merchant Service. He was a member of Andrews-Dahill Post 1531 Veterans of Foreign Wars.”[27]

Anacleto worked for 38 years at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, in the shipping and receiving department.  He attended St. Lawrence Church and Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch.  He was married to Emily "Mamie" (Lima) Anacleto for 65 years and became the patriarch of five generations, which included a son, a daughter, six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson.  At 84 years old, Anacleto succumbed to a brief illness and passed away in New Bedford, on 28 July 2005.[28]

Frank Andrews, lifelong resident of Wareham, Mass, was born on 22 September 1919 to Antone and Flismena (Gonsalves) Andrews.  (The 1920 Census indicates that Antonio Andrews and Freidman [sic] Andrews were both born Cape Verde.[29]  The 1930 Census confirms this by stating that Antons Andrews and Funa [sic] Andrews were both born in Cape Verde.[30])  “He was a corporal in the Army during World War II; he served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.”[31]  Frank Andrews enlisted on 31 July 1942 in Hartford,Conn.  At the time, he was married to Dominga "Peggy" (Barros) Andrews.  Andrews was described as a married Negro with a grammar school education.[32]     

Andrews was a construction laborer who enjoyed flower gardening and shellfishing.  He was a member of BAC Union Local 3, Benjamin D. Cushing Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2425, and a communicant of St. Patrick's Church.  Andrews had three sons, five daughters, 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter.  He died at home Wareham, Mass. home on 5 February 2005, at 85 years old.  Thought there is not any specific notation of his heritage, several things make it seem likely that he was Cape Verdean; clues include his surname, phenotype, community, and the inclusion on his obituary in the Cape Verdean American News periodical.[33]

Antonio J. Angelo was born on 30 January 1924 in New Bedford, Mass to Joaquim A. and Adelaide (Zego) Angelo.  According to the 1930 Census, Angelo’s parents were both born in Cape Verde.[34]   “Mr. Angelo was a World War II Army veteran, attaining the rank of sergeant.”[35]  He enlisted on 20 October 1942 in Boston.  He was described as a single Negro with a grammar school education.[36]  He was a member of the Cape Verdean American Veterans Association.[37] He was a construction laborer for various companies in the Boston area and a communicant of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch.  He was married to Jean Bonita and had a son and daughter.[38]  Angelo, at 76, died unexpectedly on 1 September 2000, in New Bedford.

Joseph John Baptista was born on 14 November 1901, in Brava, Cape Verde, to John and Rosa (Martin) Baptista.  He lived in the Southeastern Mass. area most of his life.  Baptista was a participant of World War II.[39]  Afterwards, he “was a chief cook in the Merchant Marines during the Vietnam War.” [40]  Following the war, he became a steward for Standard Oil Tanker and a member of the National Maritime Union.  Baptista married Evelyn Morse and had two sons, four daughters, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter.  On Saturday, 16 May 1998, Baptista died at his Dartmouth home, at 96 years old. 

Roy D. Britto was born on 19 August 1923 in New Bedford, to Pedro and Gertrude (Almeida) Britto.  The 1930 Census shows that Peter and Gertrude Britto were both born in Cape Verde.[41]  Roy Britto graduated from New Bedford High School.  “He served as a sergeant in the Army during World War II.”[42]  Britto enlisted as a Private in Boston, on 10 August 1943, and ended his service on 17 January 1946.[43]  He was categorized as a Negro without dependents with one year of high school education.[44]  Britto moved to Wareham,Mass. in 1968.  He was a chef at the Dome Restaurant in Woods Hole.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Father Francis D. Callahan Council No. 4139, and a communicant of St. Patrick's Church.  Britto had two sons, a daughter, three grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.  Britto, at 80 years old, succumbed to a long illness on Friday, Oct. 31, 2003.  He was buried in Veterans NationalCemetery, Bourne. 

Joseph P. "Murphy" Cruz was born on 10 November 1923 in New Bedford.  He was the son of Peter N. and Julianna (Eleanor) Cruz of Cape Verde; the 1930 Census shows that Peter and Julia Cruz were both born in Cape Verde.[45]  Cruz began a long military career on 21 September 1944.  “Cruz served in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, retiring after 24 years of service.”[46]  On 7 November 1968, he retired from the military with the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He was a member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Cruz worked as an orderly VeteransAdministration MedicalCenter, in Providence, after his retirement.  A long time resident of New Bedford, he was a parishioner of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch.  He married Virginia M. Baptiste and had two sons and a daughter.  Cruz died on 7 March 2003, at 79 years old, and buried with military honors four days later at the Veteran's NationalCemetery in Bourne.[47]

 Boaventura L. "Bo Boy/Ben" DaSilva was born on 20 May 1919 in New Bedford, to Hermangildo L. and Maria (DaRocha) DaSilva.[48]  Hermenegilda [sic] and Mary Silva are described as Negroes born in Portugal in the 1930 Census.[49]  However, New Bedford port records show that Hermenegilda L Silva was a resident of Cape Verde, a Portuguese colony of the time.[50]  Thus, Boaventura L. DaSilva was a first-generation born American.  He served in the Army during World War II, becoming a Staff Sergeant during his tenure with the US Army Air Force.[51]  He was a resident of Fairhaven most of his life, a retiree of Raytheon in Portsmouth, and a parishioner of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch. He also worked in the family business with his father at Lopes Press in Fairhaven. He married Lola Yonko and had a daughter, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  Dasilva passed away at 83 years old, on 12 April 2003, after a brief illness.[52] 

Boaventura DaSilva was not the only military veteran of his family.  DaSilva’s obituary noted that he had a brother by the name of Richard Garcelon, who was also active.  Garcelon was born on 28 June 1937.[53]  He was described as a enlisted, active duty Negro personnel specialist with the Army.  On 28 November 1969, Garcelon became a non-battle dead who died in non-hostile action within the United States and Territory.[54]  

August and Carlotta (Gonsalves) DeGrace were the parents of two veterans of World War II.  August DeGrace is identified by the 1920 Census as having been born in Cape Verde.[55]   Carlotta DeGrace is identified by the 1930 Census as having been born in Cape Verde.[56]  Thus, their children, Joseph A. and Louis G. DeGrace, were first-generation Americans.            

Joseph A. DeGrace, Sr, the older sibling, was born 20 Apr 1917 in New Bedford.[57]  Joseph DeGrace was raised in New Bedford and Bridgewater.  He then “served in the Navy for more than 20 years in World War II and the Korean War, and was stationed on the U.S.S. Midway, Wasp, Philippine Sea, Yellowstone, Glennon, Larsen, Albamale and Kennedy. He was honorably discharged as a chief steward first class.”[58]  He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association.

Degrace had a 62 year marriage with Aldina Ventura, from which he had four sons, three daughters, eleven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.  He was a 50 year resident of Brockton.  DeGrace retired from the Department of Public Works and was a communicant of Christ the King Church and St. Colman of Cloyne Church.  DeGrace died on 13 January 2006, in Brockton, at 88 years old. 

Louis G. DeGrace, the younger sibling, was born on 14 April 1920 in New Bedford.[59]  He “served in the Navy during World War II.”[60]  He married Marie T. Maraglia and had a son, three daughters, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.[61] Degrace was 86 years old when he died on 21 May 2006.

Valentino Henrique Fermino, also known as Valentine Freeman, was a Cape Verdean whalemen who born on the island of Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde and immigrated to New Bedford in 1899.[62]  Fermino later married Dominga Fortes and fathered many children.[63]  During World War II, his oldest son joined the merchant marines and five of the other Fermino sons enlisted in military service.  Three of the sons were reported missing at thee same time.  “Joe was lost in the jungles of New Guinea, Peter was a prisoner of war in Germany, and Alfred's 'Freddy' ship, The Bunker Hill, had caught fire after being hit by Japanese Kamikaze planes. Several days passed before the family knew that he was among the survivors.”[64] 

Aniceto M. “Che Che” Gilmette was born in Brava, Cape Verde, to Marcelino and Dominga (Gilmete) Gilmette.[65]  “He served in the Merchant Marine during World War II.”[66]  Gilmette was a chief steward for Exxon Corp. for 37 years, a board member of the Exxon Retirees Annuitants Club, a parishioner of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch, and a resident of New Bedford for most of his life.[67]  He enjoyed building model ships and cooking. Gilmette was married twice, to Margaret Santos and Virginia Gilmette, and had two sons, two stepsons, a stepdaughter, four grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and a great-grandson.  After a brief illness, Gilmette, at 89 years old, passed away on 19 February 2005, in his New Bedford home.[68]

Albert and Josephine Gomes had two offspring who participated in the military; they were Lawrence Gomes and Tony Gomes.  The 1920 and 1930 Censuses show that both parents were born in Cape Verde.[69]  Thus, the two sons were first-generation Americans.  Lawrence Gomes, the elder son, was born on 9 March 1919 in Massachusetts.[70]  He enlisted in the Army on 14 August 1940, became a World War II veteran, and ended his service on 17  June 1945 as a Private First Class.[71]  Gomes died on 20 October 1993 in New Bedford.[72]  Fives day later, he was buried in the MassachusettsNational Cemetery.  His younger brother, Antone Gomes, followed in his martial footsteps and was a veteran of the Korean War.  

Jose J. Graca was born on 18 March 1910, in Brava, Cape Verde, to Joao J. and Catherine (Anacleto) daGraca.  Graca, one of three children, lived most of his life in New Bedford.[73]  “He was a member of the National Maritime Union and served in the Merchant Marine Service during World War II.”[74]  Graca’s service with the Merchant Marines made his a Coast Guard veteran of the war.[75]  Graca was a communicant of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch and a chief steward for the Gulf Oil Co. until his retirement.  He was married twice, to Idilia Senna and Laura Pina, and had two sons, four daughters, 25 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren.  Grace died at home, aged 87, on 7 May 1997, after a long illness.[76]  

David A. Leitao was born on 1 March 1920 in New Bedford, to Antonio  F. and Maria G. (Pereira) Leitao.[77]  He was raised in Sao Vincente, Cape Verde, but moved back to the United States as an adult.[78]  After his return, Leitao lived resided in New Bedford and subsequently in Providence.  He enlisted as a Private at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, on 15 January 1942; at the time, he was categorized as a single White with a grammar school education.[79]  Leitao “served in the Army in World War II with the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion in the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.”[80]  By the end of his service, Leitao had attained the rank of Corporal.[81]

At various times, Leitao worked as a chief cook with Exxon, as well as for Woods Hole in Martha's Vineyard, and the retired from Nantucket Steamship Authority. He was a member of the 9-18 Golf Club, the Merchant Mariners Club in New Bedford, the 5-0 Club, the Cape Verdean Progressive Club in Providence, and a former communicant of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch in New Bedford.  Leitao married Marian Bento and had two sons, five daughters, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.[82]  He was 82 years old when he in Brockton on Sunday, March 10, 2002.

George Silva Lima was born on 4 April 1919 in Fall River, Massachusetts, the to Anna Morais Silva, a native of Boa Vista, Cape Verde and Manuel Duarte Lima, born in Sao Nicolau, Cape Verde.[83]  He received his pilot’s license from North Carolina A & T College and subsequently became “a Tuskegee airman and a military photographic officer in World War II.^”[84]  At the time of his Army Air Corps enlistment, in 21 Feb 1942 in New York City, Private Lima was categorized as a single White with two years of college.[85] 

He graduated with a BA degree from Brown University, founded the local chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and was the union representative for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees – AFL.  Lima worked in the Office of Economic Opportunity, became State Director of OEO for the State of Rhode Island, became a two-term State Representative for District 83 in East Providence.

Lima was a civil rights activist affiliated with the Rhode Island chapter of the NAACP, where he served as President; the Cape VerdeanProgressive Center; the Cape Verdean Sub-committee of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission; the American Cape Verdean Cultural Exchange Commission of the State of Rhode Island; and the Boa Vista Seven.  George was married Selma Boone and was father to three children.  A documentary “Black Men Can Fly: The Story of George S. Lima” was made to honor Lima.  

Antone S. Livramento was born on 16 May 1924 in New Bedford, where he spent most of his life. [86]  “Livramento served in the Navy for 20 years until his retirement in 1964.”[87]  Thus, he was a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. [88]  Livramento was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, a charter member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association, a former member of the Cape Verdean Ultramarine Band Club, and a communicant of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch.   He married Julia Cardoza and had a son.  He was a driver for the Almeida Bus Company, the Union Street Railway, and but retired from the New Bedford Housing Authority.  On 17 August 1998, Livramento, at 74 years old, died in Wareham, Mass. after a long illness.[89] 

The obituary of Joseph Livramento (Antone S. Livramento’s brother) is helpful in identifying the heritage of the two brothers.  Joseph Livramento was a member of the Cape Verdean Ultramarine Band Club and the Cape Verdean League Association Inc., of New York City.  The obituary also identified their parents as the “late Jose Flor and Maria (Freitas) Livramento.”[90]  The 1920 Census identified Joseph F. and Mary Levermente as being born in Cape Verde.  Their daughter, Teresa Levermente, is also shown.[91]  However, this was before either son was born, since Joseph C. was not born until August of 1920 and Antone S. would not be born for four more years after that.  Thus, Antone S. Livramento was a first-generation CapeVerdean born in the United States.          

Peter Lopes was born on 30 August 1924, in New Bedford, to Joaquin and Helena (Mendes) Lopes; according to the 1930 Census, Lopes’ parents, Jack and Lena Lopes, were born in Cape Verde.[92]  Lopes began his military service on 4 May 1951, when he was twenty-six, and was discharged on 2 May 1952.[93]  “He served in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War.”[94]  Lopes lived in East Freetown most of his life and had worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for several years.  Lopes, at 79 years old, died on 7 April 2004 after a brief illness and was interred in the Massachusetts NationalCemetery two days later.  

Edward Baptista Monteiro was born on 5 July 1917, in New Bedford, to Constance (Baptista) and Manuel Monteiro.  Manuel and Constance were both born in Cape Verde, as confirmed by the 1920 Census and 1930 Census.[95]  Edward  Montonteiro enlisted as a Private in the Army on 24 April 1941 in Boston; he was categorized as a single White with three years of high school.[96]  By the end of his World War II service in 21 November 1945, Monteiro had attained the rank of Sergeant.[97]  Monteiro was a lifelong resident of this area, becoming a retired supervisor at Cameo Curtains, a communicant of Our Lady of Assumption Church, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Fairhaven Post 2892.  Monteiro was “a life member of the United Social Club and the Cape Verdean Veterans.”[98]  He died after a long illness, at 78 years, on 2 March 1996, in Marion,Mass.[99]  He was buried in the MassachusettsNational Cemetery three days later.  Monteiro left behind a daughter, four sons, twenty grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Manuel Monteiro was born on 11 July 1923, in New Bedford, to Maximo and Geralda (Neves) Monteiro.[100]  Both, the 1920 and 1930 Censuses confirm that Monteiro’s parents were from Cape Verde.[101]  “He served in the Army during World War II.”[102]  Monteiro began his military service as Private on 14 July 1943 when he enlisted in Providence.  He was described as White male with a grammar school education and no dependents.[103]  Monteiro was a construction worker at Gilbane, Cardi Corp. and ATR Construction Co. for 30 years, before retiring in 1965. He was past president of the Cape Verdean Club of Newport, member of the Sachuest and the Salt Water fishing clubs, and a communicant of St. Mary Church.  Monteiro married Isabella Gonsalves and had two sons, a daughter, and four grandchildren.  He died, aged 80 years old, at his Newport,Rhode Island home on 30 April 2004.[104]  Monteiro’s younger brother, John Monteiro, followed his brother’s footsteps when he served in with the Army during the Korean War.” [105]  

Arthur C. Nobre was born on 29 April 1926, in New Bedford, to Phillip G. and Julia (Cruz) Nobre.[106]  The 1930 Census shows that Arthur Noble [sic] was the grandson to Joseph and Constance, both born in Cape Verde, through their daughter Julia Cruz.[107]  Thus, Nobre was a second-generation born American.  “During World War II, he served in the Navy and the Merchant Marine.”[108]  Nobre was a member of the Young Cape Verdean Athletic Club, Merchant Mariners Club, a parishioner of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch, and a resident of the city for most of his life.[109]  He retired from being a warehouseman at Polaroid Corp.  He was the lifetime companion of Rae Labonte and had a daughter, two stepdaughters, and four step-grandchildren.  Nobre died at 78 years old after a long illness, in New Bedford, on 25 February 2005.[110] 

James A. Pina, Sr., born in 1893, and Constance Alves Pina, born in 1904, had two sons who joined the military, Herman A. Pina and James A. Pina, Jr.  The 1930 Census noted that James Pond [sic] was Portugal-born Negro; Constance Pond, born in Massachusetts, was categorized as a Negro whose parents came from Portugal.[111]  This was most likely used to designate Cape Verde.  Herman A. Pina, their older son, was born on 23 February 1923 in Massachusetts.[112]  On 20 July 1943, in Boston, he enlisted as a Private in the Army for service in World War II.  Pina was described as a married Negro with grammar school education, whose civil occupation was as an aeronautical engineer.[113]  He died in New Bedford on 20 April 1994.[114]  James A. Pina followed in the tradition on his older brother when he became a Korean War Veteran.  

John “Jackie” Pina was born on 30 March 1926, in Providence, to John and Louisa (Roderick) Pina, both of whom were born in Cape Verde.[115]  However, he lived in Wareham most of his life.  Pina later “served in the Army Air Force during World War II.”[116] He was a Hall of Fame alumni of Fox Point Boys Club of Providence, an avid baseball and basketball player.  He was also a laborer and landscaper until he retired.  Pina had two sons, a daughter, nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.  On 25 February 2001, Pina died at 74 years old.  He was buried at the VeteransNational Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.

Morris S. Pina was born on 17 May 1920 in Massachusetts to Rufus and Amelia S. Pina; Pina’s parents were both born in Cape Verde, according the 1930 Census.[117]  Pina enlisted as a Private, in Boston on 22 December 1942, for World War II service.  He was described as a single, Negro with a grammar school education, weighing 147 pounds.  He died on 20 Aug 1989 in New Bedford.[118]

Antone J. “Tarrot” Ramos, Jr. was born on 6 May 1926 in New Bedford.  He was the second child and second son of Antone J. and Joanna (Almeida) Ramos.  The 1930 Census show that Antone Ramos was born in Cape Verde and Joheaanna Ramos [sic] was born in Massachusetts to Cape Verdean-born parents.[119]  Antone Ramos, Jr. “served in the Coast Guard during World War II.”[120]  His service with the Merchant Marines started on 13 July 1943 and ended on 19 February 1944.[121]  Prior to his retirement, Ramos was a cook in the New Bedford School Department.  A life-long resident of New Bedford, he was a member of the Merchant Marine Club and a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption.  Ramos married Pauline Centeio and had two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.  Ramos, at 74 years-old, died on 16 April 2001, after a long illness.  He was interred four days later in the Massachusetts NationalCemetery.  

Carlos J. Ramos, who served in the Navy during World War II and was a crew chief for a bomber in the Korean War.[122]  A newspaper article that he was interviewed for stated his membership in the Cape Verdeans American Veterans Association.  This, in conjunction with his surname, would give the implication of his CapeVerdean heritage.

Alves J. “Abby” Roderick was born 25 November 1920 in Massachusetts.[123]   He enlisted in the Army in 22 February 1943 in Boston, just a few months after his twenty-second birthday.  He was categorized as a single Negro with a grammar school education.[124]  Roderick began his military service as a Private, but attained the rank of First Sergeant during World War II, and ended his service in 19 January 1946.[125]  After the war, he became a member of the Cape Verdean Veterans Association.[126]  He made a couple of trips aboard the Esso Bethlehem, from Aruba to New Haven,Connecticut.  He arrived on 19 April 1949 from his first trip.[127]  He arrived on 29 August 1950 from his second trip.[128]  Roderick died on 11 January 1995 in New Bedford.[129]  A few days later, on 17 January 1995, he was interred in the MassachusettsNational Cemetery.  Roderick’s surname and association membership suggests that his heritage was Cape Verdean.

Sgt. Albert M. Rose was born February 10, 1917.  He joined the Army, being stationed with the 366th Infantry.  He was killed in action in Italy on February 5, 1945.  The Cape Verdean American Veterans Association dedicated a memorial to him at Acushnet Avenue and Walnut Street in New Bedford, Mass. on July 19, 1986.[130]  

Adalberth S. “Al” Rozario, was born on 13 May 1922 in New Bedford to Sebastian and Maria (Reis) Rozario.  The 1930 Census shows that Sebastian and Mary Rozario were both born in Cape Verde, thus making Adalberth Rozario a first generation American.[131]  Rozario attended New Bedford Vocational School, where he played basketball, baseball, and was captain of the football team; he was also inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. He would later play semi-professional football with the Murphy Club, the Whalers, and the Steamrollers. 

Rozario enlisted in the military on 28 November 1944.[132]  He “served in the Army during World War II, participating in the campaign of the Ryukyus in the Pacific. He was a recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater campaign ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.”[133]  He became a corporal during his time in service.[134]  

 Rozario was very socially active, being a charter member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association, past president of the Cape Verdean Ultra Marine Band Club, a member of the Cape Verdean American Retirees Club, the NAACP, and a communicant of Our Lady of the AssumptionChurch in New Bedford.

A long time resident of New Bedford the majority of his life, and a 30 year resident of Fairhaven for the rest, Rozario worked in the area.  He held several jobs over his lifetime, including being the director of the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority, manager at the Car Barn Apartments, and a bail commissioner.  

Rozario married Anna M. Freitas and had a son, Adalberth J. “Chuck” Rozario, three daughters, 16 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.  His son followed in his tradition when he served in Vietnam.  He was 79 years old when he died unexpectedly in his Fairhaven home, on 4 April 2002.

Joaquim M. Rozario was born (21 February 1918 – March 1975) in Massachusetts.[135]  He enlisted on as a Private on 29 July 1942 in Boston.  On enlistment, Rozario was categorized as a single Negro with a grammar school education.[136]  After the war, Rozario joined the Cape Verdean Americans Veterans Association.[137] 

Henry Santos was born on 31 Jan 1920, in New Bedford, to Morris and Edmonia (Baker) DeSantos.[138]  The 1930 Census shows that Morris D. Santos was born in Cape Verde, thus making Henry Santos a first-generation Cape Verdean born in the United States.[139]  “During World War II, he served in the American Merchant Marine Service.”[140]  He enlisted in the service on 7 December 1941 and ended his service on 15 August 1945.[141]  He married Ardelle Santos and had a daughter, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Santos was employed as a merchant seaman for the Keystone Shipping Company and McCormick Maritime Company.  He lived in lived in various parts of the world until his retirement in the 1980’s, upon which he returned to New Bedford.  Santos was a life member of the Merchant Mariners Club and a member of the National Maritime Union.  He died unexpectedly, aged 78, on 22 June 1998 at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.[142]  

Francisco L. “Fudgie” Santos, Jr., was born on 2 October 1927, in New Bedford, to Francisco and Maria E. (Lacerda) Santos.  The 1930 Census identified Santos’ parents, Frank and Mary Santos, are having been born in Cape Verde.[143]  He lived in the city most of his life.  Santos began his service with the Merchant Marines during World War II and subsequently joined the Army as a Private First Class.[144]  He then “served in the Army during the Korean War, receiving a sharpshooter certificate.”[145]    In 1972, he received his associate's degree from Bristol Community College and attended the Henry George School of Social Science.  He worked at Con Edison, in New York, prior to retiring as a supervisor at New Bedford Gas and Light Co.  

Santos was a member of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association, the Merchant Mariners Social Club, the NAACP, the AFL-CIO union; a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church; and a member of the Holy Name Society.  He was politically active, being involved in Michael Dukakis' campaign for governor and Joseph McIntyre's campaign; he was selected as a Massachusetts Democratic Convention delegate and was appointed by former Mayor John Markey to be a member of the Bicentennial Commission.  Santos married Theresa “Penny” Gomes and had a daughter and a grandson.  He passed away at 76 years old from a brief illness on 16 October 2003, in New Bedford.[146]  

            Avelino P. Teixeira was born in 1914 in Massachusetts, to Emilio Pina Teixeira and Louisa (Cardoza) Teixeira.  According to the 1920 Census, his parents were both born in Cape Verde.[147]  He was a jackhammer operator before becoming a World War II veteran.  On 24 April 1942, he enlisted as a Private in the Army in Hartford, Conn.  Teixeira was described as a single Negro with one year of high school education.[148]    

Daniel “Dropo” Vieira, according to the Cape Verdean Veterans Association, was a veteran of World War II.[149]  Daniel Vieira was the son of Eva (Oliver) Vieira, who was the daughter of Manuel J. and Constance (Monteiro) Oliver.[150]  According to the 1930 Census, Eva Oliver’s parents were both born in Cape Verde.[151]  Thus, Daniel Vieira was a second-generation American.          

The aforementioned abbreviated biographies of Cape Verdeans who participated in World War II are by no means exhaustive.  There are many more who served, but space limits the amount that can currently be presented.  However, further research will continue to show that many more Cape Verdeans than listed downed on Americans colors and went to war.  These men did their duty until the end of the war.  The war came closer to an end when Germany surrendered in April of 1945.  Japan continued to fight until August of 1945, when the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  With Japan’s surrender, another chapter of Cape Verdean-American fighting men ended.  However, their contributions are still evident today.