May 19, 2013
News
World War II Vets Honored At City Hall
By KGNS News
A pair of War World II Veterans were honored today at the City Hall Chambers.
They flew in the Mexican Air Force during that war offering their lives for the freedom we as Americans live today.
"I was exactly 15 years when I got a feeling that I had to defend my country."
Two vets were commended for their bravery and diligence during World War Two.
Mayors from both Laredos were there and spoke about the accomplishments of Escuadron 201 and how their efforts helped fortify relations with Mexico.
Chief Master Sergeant,Fernando Nava Musa said,"for the first time in history the American troops and Mexican troops joined together to defend our country.”
Fernando Nava and Manuel Cervantes flew for Squadron 201.
A military aviation unit which represented Mexico on the allied side during the war. They are noted as being the only Mexican military unit ever to fight outside Mexico itself.
Sergeant Second Class, Manuel Cervantes Ramos, said "when I saw those ships sunk by the Japanese I felt I needed to participate but there was no way, so when I learned Mexico was building an air force I felt compelled to leave school and my job to join."
Their unit was sent to liberate the Philippines which were occupied by the Japanese.
When they arrived they saw exactly what they were fighting for said Ramos,"as an individual I have been able to see the poverty in my country, how the children suffer. When I went over there I found out what happens in my country was far less."
Nava said,"it effect us very much to see much misery over there many people dieing not only soldiers but in the Philippines we see little kids starving to death, it was terrible."
Nava says the images still haunt him but he doesn't regret serving in the military.
"It effects you very much but all those years I'm very proud to serve my country and its something all veterans have in our heart."
He hopes civilians on both side of the border remember why soldiers fight.
"one thing I hope our two countries know is that the freedom; the benefits,our homes, our schools is a privilege and we have to conserve and take care of that"
Squadron 201 made their way to training to San Antonio through Laredo in 1944.
