The Vegas Voice 11-19

A Hero of World War I
By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World
“
Restoring Veterans Day – Remembering
America’s warriors is often an
afterthought for many Americans. It’s about
time November 11th is paid its proper respect.”
VFW magazine November 2010.
Despite remarkable combat decorations, Marcelino Serna is
historically obscure. Serna came to the United States from Mexico in
1915.
Two years later, he was threatened with deportation. To validate his
goal for U.S. citizenship, Serna volunteered for the army.
Although barely speaking English, Serna completed basic training
and was sent to fight World War I in France. When his command
discovered Serna’s rudimentary language skills and that he was a
Mexican citizen they offered him a discharge. He declined.
As his unit moved north toward the Meuse River and Argonne Forest,
a German machine gunner killed 12 Allied soldiers. Serna advanced.
“I jumped up and ran about 10 yards and then hit the dirt,” he told
the El Paso Times in 1962. “I kept this up until I was on the machine
gunner’s left flank. He hit my helmet with bullets twice during the run.
When I got close enough, I threw four grenades into the nest. Eight
Germans came out with their hands up.”
Serna later captured 24 German soldiers, then “shot a sniper at 200
yards and tossed three grenades into a trench. The survivors came out
with their hands up.”
Days before the Armistice, Serna was shot in both legs. His rifle as a
crutch, Serna hobbled to safety. He spent months in a French hospital.
General John J. Pershing awarded Serna the Distinguished Service
Cross. France presented Serna two French Croix de Guerre with bronze
palm medals, an Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra, a French Medaille
Militaire, French Commemorative Metal, World War I Victory Medal
with five stars, St. Mihiel Medal, Verdun Medal and two Purple Hearts.
Serna is among World War I’s most decorated soldiers, nonetheless,
denied the Medal of Honor “due to his limited English” though he
spoke neither French nor Italian when awarded their highest metals.
More than 2-million U.S. troops fought in World War I. On this
Veterans Day, we stop to honor the more than 22-million veterans who
have served our country.
Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an
Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always
with enthusiasm.
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