[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1428-E1429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO HISPANIC- AMERICAN VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 31, 1996

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute our Hispanic-American 
veterans and to share with you a few of the experiences of these brave 
men and women. On August 23 and 24, 1996, the California Occupational 
Foundation, under the leadership of Gus Hernandez, will be having a 
dinner and parade to recognize the contributions of our Hispanic-
American veterans.
  It is important that we recognize our Nation's Hispanic-American 
veterans, men and women who answered the call to defend freedom and 
democracy. Since the American Revolution, Hispanic Americans have 
courageously served, and in many cases died for our country. During the 
Civil War, an estimated 10,000 Hispanic-American soldiers fought in 
either the Union or Confederate Armies. Because of a language barrier, 
few Hispanic Americans saw any combat during World War I. But by World 
War II, with the language barrier broken, approximately 500,000 
Hispanic-American soldiers helped the Allies defeat the Axis powers. 
Hispanic Americans have also served in Korea, Vietnam, and in Operation 
Desert Shield/Storm. Today, there are approximately 1 million living 
Hispanic-American veterans. Currently, Hispanic-Americans make up 5 
percent of our Nation's active duty armed forces personnel.
  Among these heroes is Marine PFC Guy Gabaldon, who with distinction 
captured more enemy soldiers than anyone else in the history of U.S. 
military conflicts. PFC Gabaldon captured over 1,000 Japanese soldiers 
during World War II. Also included are eight men who selflessly gave 
their lives for our country, continuing a tradition of honor rooted in 
a small street in Silvis, IL. Although the street is only large enough 
to accommodate 22 families, it has produced 84 brave men who fought in 
either World War II, Korea, or Vietnam. Once named Second Street, this 
small block has been renamed Hero Street U.S.A. and stands as a 
monument to these American heroes.
  Most notable are the 41 Hispanic Americans who have been awarded our 
Nation's most prestigious and highest military decoration, the

[[Page E1429]]

Congressional Medal of Honor. This is more than any other ethnic group 
of veterans. Among the recipients is Private Jose P. Martinez who 
sacrificed his life by leaping forward and leading his platoon in 
attack after Japanese soldiers pinned down his unit during World War 
II.
  Another honoree is Master Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez, who after 
recovering from a wound during his first tour of duty in Vietnam, 
returned to the war and earned his way into the elite Army Special 
Forces. Upon his return, Benavidez assisted in the rescue of 12 men 
from his unit, and destroyed classified documents so that they would 
not fall into enemy hands.
  These soldiers are the epitome of the valor and service that is found 
within every soldier. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join 
me in honoring our Hispanic-American military heroes and to recognize 
the tremendous contributions Hispanic-American veterans have made in 
defense of liberty and democracy.

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