World War II Honoree

Refugio J. Guerra, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Laredo, Texas

Honored By

Douglas M. Alford, USN

Refugio was born in Laredo, Texas and educated in the Laredo School System. On 3 October 1940 he was sworn into the United States Army Air Force. He was assigned to the 676th Squadron of the 444th Bomb Group and was trained as an aircraft mechanic on the B-29 at Glendale, California. He was assigned to the Central Burma, India-Burma, Sumatra and the air Offensive of Japan. He was in the crew of the Enola Gay, the B-29 that dropped the Atomic bomb on Japan. Shortly after this occurred he was returned to the United States and released from active duty with an Honorable Discharge. During his tour he received the following Commendations: The Distinguished Service Badge, The American Theater Service Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country in its time of need.