[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO VALDEMAR DeHERRERA

 Mr. LUJAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and share 
the inspiring story of native New Mexican Mr. Valdemar DeHerrera, a 
World War II veteran and prisoner of war, who celebrated his 105th 
birthday on October 8, 2024. Valdemar is one of the last American 
survivors of the fighting in Bataan and Corregidor in the Philippines 
during the end of World War II.
  Valdemar was raised near Taos in the town of Costilla as the third of 
14 children. Valdemar helped his family with farming, raising sheep, 
chickens, cattle, pigs, horses, and crops until dropping out of school 
in the 10th grade to join the Civilian Conservation Corps. Valdemar did 
manual labor for conservation projects on rural lands owned by State, 
local, and Federal governments until he was drafted into the Army at 22 
years old. He was sent to train in Fort Bliss, TX, and later deployed 
to the 515 Coast Artillery in the Philippines.
  During the war, Valdemar was captured as a Japanese prisoner of war. 
He survived the Bataan Death March by escaping to Corregidor Island. 
Shortly after, Valdemar and his fellow escapees were captured by the 
Japanese. During his 3 years and 7 months in captivity, Valdemar was 
forced to work at a textile plant in Manchuria. He survived off rations 
consisting of one cup of rice, two cups of water a day, and foraging 
for grasshoppers, monkeys, and wild spinach. Valdemar was liberated in 
Manchuria when World War II ended. He returned to Santa Fe, weighing 
just 80 pounds, spending months recovering. Valdemar credits his faith 
and the presence of his guardian angel for his survival.
  Valdemar has lived a full and meaningful life since his time in the 
Army. Upon his return home to Costilla, he married Consuelo DeVargas. 
Valdemar and Consuelo were married until her passing in 2019. Valdemar 
worked for the State of New Mexico highway department and the Molycorp 
Mine. Family has played an integral role in Valdemar's life as he 
raised his 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 3 
great-great grandchildren. Valdemar still attends the Bataan Memorial 
Death March memorial ceremony each year at White Sands Missile Range.
  I had the pleasure of speaking to Valdemar prior to his 105th 
birthday. I thanked him for his service and sacrifice during World War 
II. Valdemar, your service will never be forgotten, and I am forever 
grateful for your role in fighting for our freedom.

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