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Today, to mark the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) reintroduced her bill, HR 5521, that would authorize President Joe Biden to posthumously award Mexican American World War I hero, Private Marcelino Serna, the Medal of Honor. The bill, first introduced in 2021, holds heavy significance to Private Serna's descendants, the El Paso community, and to the passionate advocates for increased recognition of American heroes of color who have been overlooked for far too long.

“America’s biggest strength is our diversity,” Congresswoman Escobar wrote in a letter to Secretary of the Army, Hon. Christine Wormuth earlier this year. “However, the people of color and immigrants that have contributed so much to our military have for too long been hidden in the shadows of dark times in our history.” 

Despite his eligibility for exemption from service due to his immigrant status, Serna chose to courageously fight on behalf of the United States during World War I. He single-handedly fought, killed, and captured numerous enemy fighters in the French Theatre. He further distinguished himself by demonstrating exemplary commitment to the laws of war, protecting prisoners of war from wrongful execution at the hands of his fellow soldiers. Serna was the first Hispanic soldier to receive the Distinguished Service Cross, received the Purple Heart, and was awarded the Croce al Merito di Guerra by the Italian government. However, he was not considered for the nation’s highest military honor while he was alive, and was instead informed he was ineligible for promotion or such recognition due to his limited English. 

The reintroduction of this bill represents an extension of the debt our grateful nation owes Private Serna and storied heroes like him.

Full text of the bill can be found here.