The Humble and the Heroic: Wartime Italian Americans asks two basic questions: Was an extra measure of loyalty and patriotism required of Italian immigrants because the country of their birth was a declared enemy of their adopted country; and, does their WW II experience offer meaningful insights as to how we should treat other immigrant groups in future conflicts?
While the answer to both questions is in the affirmative, the long, arduous, road traveled by the ethnic group has not received the attention it deserves. Their quest for acceptance amidst a path paved with sacrifice, bitter poverty, discrimination, and, for many, the devastating indignity of being designated as "enemy aliens," is worthy of scholarly study.
This book, by noted historian Dr. Salvatore J. LaGumina, has received rave reviews. William J. Connell, Professor of History and La Motta Chair in Italian Studies, Seton Hall University , writes:"LaGumina has put it all together for future generations." William J. Connell, Professor of History and La Motta Chair in Italian Studies, Seton Hall University states: "This constitutes a major contribution not only to the field of Italian American studies, but to a wider understanding of American society." Joseph Sciame, National and New York State Past President, Order Sons of Italy in America praises the work saying: We owe Dr. LaGumina a debt of gratitude for emblazoning in our hearts and minds the memories and realities of the early struggles and travails of our grandparents and how their fruits bore freedom to the world, especially during world War II. "
