Back in Time Today
World War II brought together soldiers from many different countries to fight for America. Some of the bravest warriors wearing U.S. Army uniforms weren’t even born on American soil.
From the Philippines to Mexico, these foreign-born fighters proved that courage knows no borders. Their incredible stories of heroism earned them the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military award.
1. Jose Calugas: The Filipino Scout Who Never Gave Up
Picture a young Filipino soldier standing firm while enemy bullets flew past his head. Jose Calugas showed exactly this kind of bravery during the Battle of Bataan in 1942.
Born in the Philippines, Calugas served with the Philippine Scouts, a special U.S. Army unit. When Japanese forces surrounded his position, he refused to retreat. Instead, he kept fighting even though his unit was badly outnumbered.
His fearless actions during this desperate battle earned him the Medal of Honor. Calugas proved that true courage comes from the heart, not from where you were born.
2. Rudolph Davila: A Hero Finally Recognized
Sometimes heroes wait decades for recognition. Rudolph Davila fought bravely in Italy during 1944, but didn’t receive his Medal of Honor until 2000 – long after his death.
Born in the Philippines when it was still a U.S. territory, Davila technically held American citizenship. However, many people at the time didn’t consider him truly American because of his Filipino heritage.
His heroic actions in the Italian mountains saved many American lives. Davila’s story reminds us that heroism often goes unnoticed for far too long, especially when it comes from unexpected places.
3. Marcario García: Mexico’s Gift to American Freedom
What drives a man to leave his homeland and fight for another country? Marcario García made this choice when he left Mexico to join the U.S. Army.
In 1944, García faced down German machine-gun nests all by himself in Germany. Armed with just his rifle and incredible determination, he attacked enemy positions that had his unit pinned down. His one-man assault saved countless American lives.
García became the first Mexican-born recipient of the Medal of Honor. His story shows how immigrants often become America’s most dedicated defenders, fighting harder than anyone to protect their adopted home.
4. Laszlo Rabel: The Hungarian Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, speaking different languages and carrying different dreams. Laszlo Rabel brought his Hungarian heritage to the American fight for freedom.
During fighting in the Philippines in 1945, Rabel saw his fellow soldiers in terrible danger. Without thinking about his own safety, he threw himself between the enemy and his unit. His sacrifice saved many American lives but cost him his own.
Rabel received the Medal of Honor after his death. His story proves that love for your brothers-in-arms can be stronger than love for your own life.
5. Robert Craig: The Australian in American Uniform
How does an Australian end up fighting for the U.S. Army? Robert Craig’s path to American heroism remains one of the war’s most unusual stories.
During the Sicily campaign in 1943, Craig made a decision that would define his legacy. When German forces threatened to overrun his unit, he deliberately drew enemy fire toward himself. This brave act gave his fellow soldiers time to escape safely.
Craig’s Medal of Honor represents one of the rarest cases of foreign-born heroism in American military history. His willingness to die for soldiers who weren’t even his countrymen shows the true meaning of brotherhood.
6. Jose Lopez: Standing Alone Against the German Army
Imagine facing an entire enemy assault by yourself. Jose Lopez did exactly this during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, one of the war’s bloodiest fights.
Born in Mexico, Lopez had immigrated to America seeking a better life. When German forces launched their massive winter offensive, Lopez found himself alone at his machine gun position. Instead of retreating, he stayed and fought.
For hours, Lopez held off wave after wave of German attacks single-handedly. His incredible stand helped save the entire American line from collapse. Lopez proved that one determined man can change the course of history.
7. Silvestre Herrera: Courage Beyond Physical Limits
True bravery means continuing to fight even when your body fails you. Silvestre Herrera showed this kind of extraordinary courage in France during 1945.
Born in Mexico, Herrera had joined the U.S. Army to serve his adopted country. When he stepped on a landmine, the explosion destroyed both his feet. Most soldiers would have stopped fighting, but not Herrera.
Despite his terrible injuries, he continued charging enemy positions and attacking German soldiers. His refusal to give up, even while badly wounded, earned him the Medal of Honor. Herrera’s story proves that courage lives in the spirit, not the body.
8. Euripides Rubio: The Puerto Rican Warrior
Puerto Rico may be American territory, but its people maintained their own proud culture during World War II. Euripides Rubio represented this unique heritage while serving in the famous 65th Infantry Regiment.
Known as the Borinqueneers, Rubio’s unit consisted entirely of Puerto Rican soldiers. While he served with distinction during World War II, Rubio would later earn his Medal of Honor during the Korean War.
His story represents thousands of Puerto Rican soldiers who fought for America while maintaining their island identity. Rubio showed that you can serve two cultures with equal pride and dedication.