CONGRESSMAN RUBÉN HINOJOSA TO PRESENT WAR MEDALS TO WWII VETERAN AFTER 66 YEARS

(Army records destroyed in fire decades ago)

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX-15) will proudly host a military medal presentation and ceremony for Mr. Fernando Resendez of  McAllen, Texas on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 3:30-5:30 at the Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans Facility, 301 E. Yuma Ave. in McAllen, Texas. Mr. Resendez will be presented with war medals he earned but had never received for his combat service in the U.S. Army in World War II from 1944-46.

"What an honor it is for me to be able to present a World War II combat veteran with his medals of service and honor to our country," said Congressman Hinojosa. "We have so many brave veterans who live here in deep South Texas who heard the call of duty and answered it just like Mr. Resendez did over a half a century ago."

Mr. Resendez, now 86 years old, enlisted as a Technician Fifth Grade in the 121st Infantry, 8th Division.  He was to receive the following medals from the U.S. Army, which will now be presented by Congressman Hinojosa:

Good Conduct Medal

American Campaign Medal

European-African-Middle Easter Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars

Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp

Before Mr. Resendez' discharge from the Army in 1946, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and one Overseas Service Bar but had yet to receive his other medals. In 1973 the National Personnel Records Center building in St. Louis, Missouri, where military records are stored was damaged by fire. Military records from 1912-1959 were destroyed in the blaze, including Mr. Resendez' military information.  

Because Mr. Resendez had never received his medals the Resendez family contacted Congressman Hinojosa for assistance in securing his awards.  Fortunately, there were some alternate sources that verified and confirmed that his discharge document is authentic entitling him to the commendations. Congressman Hinojosa received a favorable response on his request from the U.S. Army to issue Mr. Resendez the military medals he had earned.

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