World War II Honoree
Killed in World War II
Joe Gandara
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Santa Monica, California
Honored By
Oscar Vizcarra, Jr./American Legion Post #123
SERVED WITH THE 507TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION, AND LATER THE 17TH AIRBORNE DIVISION. PARTICIPATED IN D-DAY, THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE, AND OPERATION VARSITY. DIED BEHIND ENEMY LINES WHILE PROTECTING HIS FELLOW SOLDIERS ON THE 9TH OF JUNE 1944 IN AMFREVILLE, FRANCE. RECIPIENT OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS, BRONZE STAR AND PURPLE HEART. ON 18TH OF MARCH 2014 PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA PRESENTED HIS FAMILY MEMBERS THE MEDAL OF HONOR.