Bien Hecho: WWII Veteran Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Part of what has been called the “Greatest Generation,” 87-year-old Texas native Abelardo R. Navarrette was inducted into the 35th Infantry Division Hall of Fame in Kansas City, Missouri earlier this month for his service and bravery exhibited in battle during World War II.

The only non-military careered individual to achieve the recognition, Navarrette was also the recipient of the Legion of Honor medal in 2009 by the French consulate in El Paso, Texas — one of the highest awards given to French nationals or foreigners considered to have served the country and defended the ideas it champions.

Navarrette was also awarded a Purple Heart after having his skull fractured in 1944 in an offensive against Germany, in which two months later he was back out on the field as part of the Battle of the Buldge, fought during one of what he would later describe as the coldest winter of his life.

Stories like Navarrette’s serve to remind us of why his generation remains so historically significant. Born around the time of the Great Depression, they came of age during the second World War and, according to the script read at his induction ceremony:

They abandoned everything in the name of freedom and progress not only for our Nation
but to defend the rights of others to be free. They made the ultimate sacrifice and commitment. Their tenacity and dedication to making the world a better place was not only seen on foreign shores on fields of battle, but in the factories and fields where a new and viable work force of mothers, wives, and sisters paid a different kind sacrifice.

As their numbers dwindle, first hand accounts like Navarrette’s are less common. Listen to his story in his own words or read more about the 35th Infantry Division.

Spread the word! Our weekly Bien Hecho segment, highlights the good deeds and achievements of Latinos across the U.S. If you feel that someone you know is deserving of recognition, let us know at tips@newstaco.com.