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 over 1 million blacks, along with 10,000 to 20,000 Japanese Americans, Chinese Americans, American Indians, and Filipinos. About 50,000 Puerto Ricans served as well as about 250,000 to 500,000 other Hispanics. Group totals for European ethnic groups were not tabulated. They were released from 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 afte