Decorated Veteran Thomas Nunez Honored for Service

Thomas “Tommy” P. Nunez was born on Pine Street here in South Colton on Dec. 20, 1913. He passed away on Feb. 17, 2008. In February 1941, he was drafted into the Army. When war was declared after Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, our dad was in for the duration of the war. Tommy belonged to Company "D" 320th Medical Battalion, under the 95th Infantry Division. In Europe, Tommy was attached to the 3rd Armored Division under General Patton. He earned three campaign ribbons in the European Theatre. His first campaign ribbon was earned in Northern France. This battle was from July 25, 1944 to Sept. 14, 1944. His second ribbon was earned in Rhineland, the lower western part of Germany. This battle was from Sept. 15, 1944 to March 21, 1945. His third and final ribbon was earned in Central Europe, the front steps of Germany. This finality was from March 22, 1945 to May 11, 1945. When we were children, my siblings and I saw a photograph of our father surrounded by men clad in striped pajamas. I was to learn and understand later that they were Jewish concentration camp prisoners who suffered greatly at the hands of Hitler and Nazi Germany. Our dad, along with many brave American soldiers and Allies, brought forth the final blow to end the war of wars. Victory and liberation came at a great price and sacrifice, but I am especially proud of my dad because God chose him and many others to be a part of the liberation of God's chosen people - the Israelites. We are proud of you pop, for everything you did. Today, your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family honor you and will always remember you with much love.