World War II Honoree

Natividad J. Padilla

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Oakland, California

Honored By

Chief Master Sergeant Ralph V. Hallmon

Relationship

Friend

SERVED AS A RECONNAISSANCE PATROL 1ST SCOUT AND COMMANDO SQUADRON MEMBER WHILE ASSIGNED TO 3RD BATTALION, 19TH INFANTRY REGIMENT OF THE 24TH INFANTRY DIVISION, A HIGHLY DECORATED UNIT WHICH WAS AMONG THE FIRST TO SEE COMBAT IN WWII AND AMONG THE LAST TO STOP FIGHTING. PARTICIPATED IN NUMEROUS CAMPAIGNS TO HELP LIBERATE THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FROM JAPANESE OCCUPATION, INCLUDING FIGHTING ON THE ISLANDS OF LEYTE, LUZON AND MINDANAO. AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AND BRAVERY WHILE ENGAGED IN COMBAT ACTIONS AGAINST THE ENEMY.