Ethnic minorities served in the US armed forces during World War II. All citizens were equally subject to the draft.

All minorities were given the same rate of pay. The 16 million men and women in the services included 1 million African Americans[citation needed], along with 33,000 + Japanese - Americans,20,000 + Chinese Americans,[2] 24,674 American Indians,and some 16,000 Filipino - Americans.

According to House concurrent resolution 253, 400,000 to 500,000 Hispanic Americans served.

They were released from military service in 1945 - 46 on equal terms, and were eligible for the G.I. Bill and other veterans' benefits on a basis of equality. Many veterans, having learned organizational skills, and become more alert to the nationwide situation of their group, became active in civil rights activities after the war.