Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Honor Flight Chicago is proud to share the stories of these Hispanic American veterans we have honored. With stories spanning World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War they represent the dedication, service and sacrifice of our Hispanic Americans veterans.
Click on the image of each PDF to download the document and access embedded links to content!
FEATURED VETERANS:
ANDY CARILLO: Korean War Aircraft Carrier Plane Captain
Navy Airmen Andy Carrillo served as a plane captain aboard aircraft carriers during the Korean war. He talks fondly about his time around planes with lots of detail about how they land on carriers. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
ARTHUR CHAVEZ: Vietnam War Huey Crew Chief
Army SP-4 Arthur Chavez served in Vietnam as the crew chief for a Huey in the 57th Assault Helicopter unit. After losing his brother in Vietnam he was inspired to volunteer. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
FERNANDO DORADO: Korean War Postal Ops
U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Fernando M. Dorado served in Postal Operations — the “Biggest Little Outfit in the Air Force” — in Japan during the Korean War. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
MARTIN GARCIA: Korean War BAR Man
Army Tech 5 Martin Garcia served as a BAR man and driver with the 23rd Infantry in the Philippines and Japan during the Korean War. He is originally from Texas. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
MIGUEL GOMEZ : Korean War Plane Mechanic
U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Miguel Gomez served as a plane mechanic throughout the South Pacific during and after the Korean War. He served a total of 24 years. In looking back at his transports he is amazed at the advancements in air transportation. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
FRED MARAVILLA : WWII Interpreter
Army Air Corps Corporal Fred Maravilla served as a teletype operator and interpreter in Italy and Germany during World War II. He is a Mexican immigrant who got his U.S. citizenship during basic training, and went on to teach English to immigrants after the war. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
JOE PEREZ: Vietnam Marine Corps Rifleman
U.S. Marine Corp Corporal Joe Perez served as a frontline rifleman during the Vietnam War. He is a 3 time Purple Heart recipient and
discusses coming home. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
LUIS RODRIGUEZ: Vietnam War 101st Airborne
Army staff sergeant E-6 Luis “Obed” Rodriguez served with the 101st Airborne Nomads during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War. He is a Puerto Rican immigrant and Purple Heart Recipient. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
