World War II Honoree

Emilio Garza

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Los Saenz, Texas

Honored By

Abel Garza

Relationship

Son

INDUCTED TO THE ARMY AT FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS. AFTER BASIC TRAINING HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 32ND INFANTRY DIVISION, COMPANY I, 128TH INFANTRY. HE WAS DESIGNATED AS A COMBAT RIFLEMAN. AWARDED THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE MARCH 1, 1944. AS A RIFLEMAN, HE SERVED WITH THE 32ND INFANTRY DIVISION IN NEW GUINEA, AUSTRALIA AND THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. HE LAID DOWN FIRE TO PROTECT AN OFFENSIVE ATTACK AND STOP ENEMY OFFENSIVE. HE USED ALL KINDS OF SMALL ARMS, INCLUDING HAND GRENADES. HE DID SCOUTING, PATROLLING AND RECONNAISSANCE WORK. HE WAS AWARDED THE FOLLOWING DECORATIONS: ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 3 BRONZE STARS, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON WITH 1 BRONZE STAR, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, WWII VICTORY RIBBON, SERVICE STRIPE AND 5 OVERSEAS BARS. HE PARTICIPATED IN BATTLES IN NEW GUINEA AND SOUTHERN PHILIPPINE ISLANDS IN THE AREA OF LUZON. HE WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED AT FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS ON NOVEMBER 29, 1945.