Crossing the Pond: The Native American Effort in World War II

Crossing the Pond also chronicles the unsuccessful efforts of Nazi propagandists to exploit Native Americans for the Third Reich, as well as the successful efforts of the United States government and the media to recruit Native Americans, utilize their resources, and publicize their activities for the war effort. Franco's research indicates that Native Americans fully intended to return to their reservations after the war, where they believed they, as the "First Americans, " would be able to participate in a "better America." Attention is also given to the postwar experiences of Native American men and women as they sought the franchise, educational equality, economic stability, the right to purchase alcohol, and the same amount of respect given to other American war veterans.

This meticulously researched study utilizes oral history narratives and interviews, along with documents from the Congressional Record, papers from various state museums, collections of various tribal councils, and records from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the War Relocation Authority.