World War II Honoree

Reynaldo Garcia

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Laredo, Texas

Honored By

Douglas M. Alford, USN

He was drafted into the United States Army on August 24, 1943 when he reported to the military recruiting center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. He went through basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was trained to drive Jeeps, Half-tracks, and armored vehicles. He received additional training at Camp McCain, Mississippi where he was trained as a cannoneer and switchboard operator. In July 1944, Reynaldo was sent to Camp Shanks, New York and on August 6, 1944 he left the port of New York on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth for Glasgow, Scotland. On September 13, 1944 he headed for France and went by way of Utah Beach. His first experience was at St. Lorient and St. Nazaire where the infantry handled the situation. He fought in the Ardennes where he came in direct contact with the Germans. But as he was in communications he did not have direct combat with the Germans. When the war ended with the surrender of Germany he was assigned with the Army of Occupation in Czechoslovakia for six months. He returned to the United States on a ship named USS Westminister and was at sea for 12 days. He landed at Camp Kilmer and was placed on a troop train for Camp Fannin in East Texas where he was released from active duty with an Honorable Discharge. During his tour of duty he received the following commendations: The Good Conduct Medal, The American Theater of Operations Medal, The Bronze Star Medal, The European Theater of Operations Medal, The Defense Service Medal, The WWII Victory Medal. He was very proud to have had the opportunity to come to the aid of his country in its time of need.