World War II Honoree

Rodolfo O. Barrera

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Laredo, Texas

Honored By

Douglas M. Alford, USN

The war was beginning and he wanted to do his part for his country. He was sworn into the United States Army at Fort Sam Houston at San Antonio, Texas. He attended basic training where he was trained in infantry, small arms, rifle, hand to hand combat. At the conclusion of basic training he was assigned to General's Patton's 3rd Armored Division and trained for the invasion of Normandy. He was part of the third wave on Omaha Beach after D-day. He concluded this operation and was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, The Good Conduct Medal and the Purple Heart Medal. The French awarded him The Operation Overlord Normandy Veteran Medal. He was injured in combat and was referred back to the United State to recover and a Honorable Discharge. He returned to his hometown of Laredo and continued his education. He served in Patton's Quartermaster unit. He served from 16 October 1940 to 10, November 1945. In addition to his awards he received the European Theater of Operations Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal.