[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E196-E197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN PAUL GARCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 21, 2020

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of United 
States Navy Veteran and Firefighter Paul Garcia who passed away on 
February 14, 2020 at the age of 93. Mr. Garcia hails from my hometown 
of San Antonio and is survived by his wife, Aurora Garcia; children, 
Marie Diaz de Leon and husband, David; Leroy Garcia and wife, Carrie; 
grandchildren, David Diaz de Leon Jr. and Frank Diaz de Leon; and 17 
great grandchildren. A World War II Navy Veteran with over 25 years of 
civil service, Mr. Garcia's life represents honor and commitment. His 
journey is one of true distinction that warrants the highest praise. He 
will be greatly missed.
  Paul Garcia was born on February 9, 1927 in San Antonio, Texas to 
Policarpio and Maria de Jesus Garcia, who migrated from Mexico in 1915. 
At an early age, he was interested in serving the country that he so 
loved, and he carried such adoration throughout his life. He joined the 
United States Navy at the age of 17, where he eventually served in the 
Pacific Theater and in the liberation of the Philippine Islands from 
Japanese Forces during World War II. Mr. Garcia's honorable service 
earned him the World War II Victory Medal, The

[[Page E197]]

American Campaign Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the 
Honorable Service Lapel Button and the Honorable Discharge Lapel Pin. 
Eventually, his journey led him back to San Antonio where he worked in 
civil service for 25 years at Kelly Air Force Base.
  Madam Speaker, I am thankful to have known such a remarkable person 
who dedicated himself to service and family. Although I am deeply 
saddened by his loss, I am comforted by knowing that his memory will 
live on though his many loved ones.

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