World War II Honoree

Enrique Castaneda, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Laredo, Texas

Honored By

Douglas M. Alford

He received his draft notice and was sworn into the Army at the Military Induction Center at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas on 18 September 1943. He received his basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana where he received additional physical and small arms training. After training he was assigned to the 189th quartermaster Corps, Gas Supply Unit. He saw duty in the Pacific Theater of Operations, mostly behind the lines. He was active in the Philippine Islands. As a Quartermaster he worked in warehouses in support of the combat troops. After the surrender of Japan he was shipped back to the United States then the Fort Sam Houston where he received his Honorable Discharge. He spent two years in the Philippine Islands on that tour. He received the following commendations: Bronze Arrowhead, WWII Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Fortunately he was not injured during his tour of duty.