600,000 Italian Americans were branded "enemy aliens" during World War II. Now I understand why my grandparents were so reluctant about passing on their language to their children and grandchildren.
Despite this, Italian Americans suffered the greatest number of casualties among any ethinic group during the war, many trying to liberate their brothers in the land of their ancestors. And another group treated even more shabbily, the Japanese Americans, had sons who served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit in the armed forces.
Thanks to Tom Lucente and the folks at Il Circolo Calabrese where the following links were posted.
Prisoners Among Us Documentary DVD or VHS
Una Storia Segreta: When Italian Americans Were Enemy Aliens Book
Biff