Over the last century, Pateros produced men and women known for independence, hard work, and patriotism, and hundreds served in the armed forces. In the early 20th century, several veterans of the Spanish-American War of 1898 settled in Pateros. Others served in Europe in the trench warfare of World War I, 1917-18. After Japan attacked the naval fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, more than 150 men and women from the area joined World War II. When they returned in 1945, twenty had been wounded in action, eighteen had been decorated for valor, and three had survived enemy prison camps. Dozens again served during the Korean War, 1950-53, including several World War II veterans who were recalled. A new generation emerged during the Vietnam War, including sons and daughters of World War II veterans, some of whom served multiple combat tours in Southeast Asia and many of whom were decorated for valor. Pateros area men and women also served during the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other fronts.