World War II Honoree

Epifanio 'Eppie' Gonzales

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Salt Lake City, Utah

Honored By

Alexander X. Gonzales

Relationship

Son

ENLISTED IN THE U.S. ARMY ON JANUARY 3, 1941. EARNED FOUR BRONZE BATTLE STARS WHILE SERVING WITH THE 19TH COMBAT ENGINEER REGIMENT IN THE CAMPAIGNS OF ALGERIA-FRENCH MOROCCO, TUNISIA, NAPLES-FOGGIA AND ROME-ARNO. AWARDED THE SILVER STAR FOR OUTSTANDING GALLANTRY IN ACTION WHILE UNDER CONSTANT AND HEAVY ENEMY ARTILLERY FIRE AT THE BATTLE OF MONTE CASSINO, DURING A FORCED CROSSING OF THE RAPIDO RIVER. HONORABLY DISCHARGED FROM THE U.S. ARMY ON JUNE 9, 1944.