Tom Armendariz
By Casey Zertuche
For 72-year-old Thomas Armendariz, it was difficult to conjure up memories of World War II, though he does recall being assigned to a unit that included many Mexican Americans.
"I wasn't a volunteer. I was drafted," Armendariz said.
Induction into the Army in San Antonio was followed by basic training then assignment to Greenland for two months.
"I was too cold and I wanted to transfer to Salerno because I wanted to join the 36th Infantry Division," said Armendariz, who was born and raised in considerably warmer Texas.