Even more than World War I, in
which fewer Mexican Americans fought,
the experience of World War II changed
Mexican Americans. Having lost com-
rades and risked their lives to defend their
country, they became more conscious of
HISPANIC WINNERS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL
MEDAL OF HONOR IN THE PACIFIC THEATER
158 ATLAS OF HISPANIC-AMERICAN HISTORY
Harold Gonsalves
Rank: Private First Class
Unit: U.S. Marine Corp Reserve (Serving with Fourth Battalion,
15th Marines, Sixth Marine Division)
Place: Okinawa
Date: April 15, 1945
David M. Gonzales
Rank: Private First Class
Unit: Company A, 127th Infantry, 32nd Infantry Division
Place: Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands
Date: April 25, 1945
Joe P. Martinez
Rank: Private
Unit: Company K, 32nd Infantry, Seventh Infantry Division
Place: Attu, Aleutian Islands (near Alaska)
Date: May 26, 1943
Manuel Perez Jr.
Rank: Private First Class
Unit: Company A, 511th Parachute Infantry, 11th Airborne
Division
Place: Fort William McKinley, Luzon, Philippine Islands
Date: Februrary 13, 1945
Cleto Rodriguez
Rank: Technical Sergeant
Unit: Company B, 148th Infantry, 37th Infantry Division
Place: Paco Railroad Station, Manila, Philippine Islands
Date: February 9, 1945
Alejandro R. Ruiz
Rank: Private First Class
Unit: 165th Infantry, 27th Infantry Division
Place: Okinawa
Date: April 28, 1945
Ysmael R. Villegas
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Unit: Company F, 127th Infantry, 32nd Infantry Division
Place: Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands
Date: March 20, 1945