World War II Honoree

Armando Barrera

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Laredo, Texas

Honored By

Douglas Alford, USN

He was sworn into the military on 12 September 1940 at the Military Recruiting Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas just as the conflicts were beginning in Europe. He attended Basic Training where he scored marksman with the rifle. He was assigned to the Headquarters Squadron 91st Photo Reconnaissance Wing. He attended photo recon school to qualify him as an aerial photographer. He was assigned to the South Pacific. He saw duty in the Philippine Islands and the interior island areas. He was on duty in the Philippine Islands when the bombs were dropped and Japan surrendered. He was returned to the United States and received his honorable discharge at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his tour of duty he received the following commendations: The American Defense Campaign medal, The American Theater Campaign medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze stars, the good Conduct medal, and the WWII Victory ribbon.