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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) sent a letter to President Joe Biden, again expressing her ardent support for the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to former El Paso resident, Private Marcelino Serna, as the President reviews Pvt. Serna’s nominations package. 

Congresswoman Escobar wrote: “Private Marcelino Serna is the most decorated World War I veteran in Texas history, having valiantly served in the United States Army from April 1917 to May 1919. During his time in service, Private Serna demonstrated exceptional bravery and integrity, going so far as to conduct dangerous scouting missions alone, single-handedly capturing 24 enemy combatants while under heavy fire, and upholding the rules of war in protecting prisoners of war from wrongful execution at the hands of his fellow soldiers. Beyond the battlefield, Private Serna served at a time when the achievements of minority soldiers often went overlooked and underrecognized. In fact, Private Serna was previously informed he was ineligible for the Medal of Honor for not speaking enough English to be promoted. Despite this, Private Serna was the first Hispanic service member to receive the Distinguished Service Cross. He is also a recipient of the Purple Heart, as well as the Croce al Merito di Guerra by the Italian government.

“In recent years, and under your thoughtful leadership, the United States and our military have engaged in a reflective conversation on our nation’s history – one that recognizes the impact racism and injustice have had on providing our service members from minority communities the recognition we owe them,” the Congresswoman continued. “The Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act mandated crucial action to rectify some of this history, establishing the Commission on the Naming of Items of the Department of Defense. In the years since, your Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, accepted the Commission’s recommendations and oversaw their implementation, a tangible example of our nation’s effort to turn the page on the dark chapter of the Confederacy. You have collectively sought to recognize the shining heroes of our history from communities of color that have sacrificed so much in service to our country while fighting prejudice all the way. Your administration has led monumental efforts to recognize these sacrifices, empower diverse perspectives, and even further – to inspire future generations of Americans.

“As you have said many times, our diversity is our strength. However, the people of color and immigrants who have significantly contributed to our military have for too long been hidden in the shadows of dark times in our history. Private Serna was one of many to courageously chart this path, a true pioneer in the now long and storied history of Hispanic service members proudly contributing to our national defense. I humbly and respectfully request Private Serna’s historic contributions are taken into consideration while you review his nomination package, and I make this request with my beautiful community of El Paso, as well as the countless Hispanic Americans who have so proudly served our country, past and present, in mind,” the Congresswoman concluded.

This most recent letter comes after the Congresswoman sent a letter to Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, introduced legislation to authorize this award, and included language to honor Pvt. Serna in several National Defense Authorization Act packages. Full text of the letter can be found here.