World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Mel Garcia Baldivia
Branch of Service
U.S. Marine Corps
Hometown
San Dimas, California
Honored By
Bend Heroes Foundation
WORKED IN A FOUNDRY UNTIL ENTERING THE MARINE CORPS IN 1944. SERVED ON A MACHINE GUN CREW WITH 'K' COMPANY, 3RD BATTALION. 7TH MARINES, 1ST MARINE DIVISION IN OKINAWA, GUADALCANAL AND OCCUPATION OF CHINA. WAS WOUNDED BY ENEMY MORTAR ATTACK. AWARDED THE GOOD CONDUCT AND WWII VICTORY MEDALS AND EXPERT RIFLEMAN BADGE.