27NOV1944: Serving as an acting squad leader with B Co. 22nd Infantry Regiment, PVT Marcario Garcia and his men found themselves pinned down by enemy fire near Grosshau, Germany. In short order, the enemy opened up with mortars and artillery inflicting substantial casualties on the trapped American forces. Although wounded in the initial barrage, Garcia crawled forward on his own initiative until within short distance of an enemy emplacement. From there, he hurled multiple grenades and assaulted the position, destroying the gun and killing three enemy combatants. Still under fire, Garcia moved back to friendly lines and linked back up with his company. Just then, a second machine gun opened fire, again pinning down Garcia's unit. For a second time that day, Garcia assaulted through enemy fire to destroy the position, killing three and capturing four prisoners. PVT Marcario Garcia would continue to fight with his unit and refused medical treatment for his wounds until the final objective that day was taken. PVT Marcario Garcia would survive the war and in 1945 became the first Mexican immigrant to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Garcia became an American citizen in 1947 and passed away in 1972 at the age of 52.

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