Labor and the railroad industry before World War II -- The Great Depression, deportations, and recovery -- We will need the Mexicans back -- Railroad track workers needed; where are the domestic laborers? -- Bracero railroaders, "soldiers of democracy" -- Contractual promises to keep -- The perils of being a bracero -- The deception further exposed -- Split families: repercussions at home and away -- Victory and going home -- Forgotten railroad soldiers -- Epilogue.