The Story Of How A Mexican Immigrant Threatened With Deportation Became WWI’s Most Decorated Texan
The Story of Marcelino Serna: An Immigrant's Valor in WWI
Introduction to Marcelino Serna
- In September 1918, during World War I, American troops were engaged in the Battle of Saint Mihiel. Private Marcelino Serna, a Mexican immigrant, distinguished himself by launching a solo attack against German machine-gun positions.
Background of Marcelino Serna
- Born on April 26, 1896, near Chihuahua, Mexico, Serna grew up in poverty which motivated his migration to the U.S. at around fifteen years old.
- Upon arriving in El Paso, Texas, he struggled with language barriers and took various low-paying jobs including maintenance work on railroads and laboring at a sugar beet farm.
Path to Military Service
- After being arrested for illegal immigration by federal officials who were checking draft statuses rather than immigration status, Serna faced deportation but chose to enlist in the U.S. Army instead.
- He underwent basic training at Camp Funston and was deployed to the Western Front as part of Company B of the 355th Infantry Regiment.
Acts of Bravery
- During combat at the Battle of Saint Mihiel in September 1918, after witnessing heavy casualties among his comrades from machine-gun fire, Serna volunteered for a reconnaissance mission despite being shot at.
- He successfully neutralized a German machine-gun nest by throwing grenades and capturing enemy soldiers.
Continued Valor and Recognition
- In another engagement during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive later that month, he tracked down a wounded German sniper and killed or captured numerous enemy troops while demonstrating moral courage by protecting prisoners from execution.
- For his extraordinary bravery, Serna received multiple honors including the Distinguished Service Cross presented by General John J. Pershing.
Conclusion and Legacy
- Wounded just days before the war ended on November 7th, 1918, he returned home as one of Texas' most decorated soldiers.
- After becoming a U.S. citizen in 1924 and working various jobs until retirement in 1961, he passed away in 1992 at age 95—an inspiring testament to what immigrants can achieve.