5 Latino patriots in US military history

• Latino Patriots in the US Military History
• Awards for Exceptional Valor
• Notable Contributions in Historical Conflicts

In the context of National Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s discuss a very important topic.

We’re talking about the stories of several Latino patriots with outstanding roles in the military history of the United States.

These soldiers served the U.S. with determination, dedication, and exceptional pride.

From World War I to the Vietnam War in the 1960s, let’s review the stories of these 5 Latino heroes.

1. Marcelino Serna in World War I

First, among the Latino patriots who are a vital part of U.S. military history is Marcelino Serna.

Originally from Mexico, he enlisted as a U.S. soldier and settled in El Paso, Texas. He was one of the most decorated soldiers from Texas in World War I.

Moreover, he was the first Hispanic to receive the Distinguished Service Cross. He passed away on February 29, 1992.

It’s worth noting that, despite his short stature, he excelled in hand-to-hand combat.

2. David Barkley Cantú used his father’s last name

Now, let’s turn to soldier David Barkley Cantú, who also participated in World War I in France.

Hailing from Laredo, Texas, he posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions in this war.

To avoid discrimination, he used his father’s Anglo-Saxon surname, Barkley, and thus managed to enlist in the Army.

Unfortunately, he drowned due to muscle cramps on November 9, 1918. He was buried in the National Cemetery of Texas.

3. Private Silvestre Herrera was an outstanding Latino soldier

Silvestre Santana Herrera was born in Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico, on July 17, 1917. He was a first-class private in the U.S. Army.

For his heroic actions in Mertzwiller, France, during World War II, he received the Medal of Honor.

On March 14, 1945, along with his platoon, they faced enemy fire and then captured eight enemy soldiers.

On that day, he lost both of his feet after stepping on two mines. He passed away on November 26, 2007, at the age of 90. He is one of the prominent Latino patriots in U.S. military history.

4. Unbelievable Feats by Guy Gabaldon!

Next, we present Marine Guy Gabaldon, who did something unimaginable at the age of 18.

During battles for two islands in 1944 in World War II, he captured or convinced over 1,300 Japanese soldiers and civilians to surrender.

In his childhood, he had a close relationship with a Japanese American family, which enabled him to become fluent in the Japanese language.

Gabaldon passed away at the age of 80 on August 31, 2006, in Old Town, Florida, in the United States.

5. Latino Alfred Velazquez Rascon Received the Highest Military Honor

To conclude this account, we present Alfred Velazquez Rascon, a retired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army.

For his actions as a medic near Long Khanh Province during the Vietnam War, he received the Medal of Honor in 2000.

This is the highest U.S. military decoration. According to the Learning Lab portal, the documentation for his medal was lost for over 30 years.

Rascon suffered severe injuries on the battlefield and was given the last rites. Currently, he resides in Laurel, Maryland, with his wife and children.