Written by Justun Dorsey, Education and Outreach Coordinator
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15. As part of this celebration, we are highlighting one story that remains lesser-known despite its remarkable impact. This story belongs to Marcelino Serna, a Mexican-born immigrant who became one of the most decorated Hispanic soldiers of World War I.
A Life of Service Beyond Borders
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1896, Serna came to the United States in search of opportunity. When the United States entered World War I, he volunteered for the Army, even though he was not a citizen and spoke limited English. Offered a discharge because of his Mexican citizenship, Serna refused, choosing instead to stand alongside his fellow soldiers.
Serving with Company B, 355th Infantry, 89th Division, Serna’s bravery soon became legendary. At the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, he scouted enemy lines alone, killing six enemy soldiers and capturing eight more. Weeks later in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, he singlehandedly attacked a German trench, killing 26 and capturing 24 soldiers. After their surrender, the United States’ reinforcements who arrived wanted to execute the German soldiers on the spot, but Serna would not allow it, stating it was against the rules of war. Even after being wounded by sniper fire just four days before the Armistice, Serna’s valor earned him the Distinguished Service Cross, making him the first Mexican American to receive this honor. He earned many awards, including two French Croix de Guerre medals, the Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra medal, two Purple Hearts and the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor posthumously.
Commander M.R. McKinney, Marcelino Serna, Diana Stopani, Mrs. M. Serna, and Major Bernard L. Mourlevat.
After the war, Serna settled in El Paso, Texas. He married his wife, Simona Jiménez in 1922 and they had six children. He became a citizen of the United States in 1924 and went on to live a quiet, hardworking life, eventually retiring in 1961 from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center as a plumber. He attempted to re-enlist during World War II but was denied due to his age. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 96 and was buried with honors at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
Honoring the Legacy of Hispanic and Latino Service Members Today
Marcelino Serna’s is a reminder that Hispanic and Latino Americans have long played a vital role in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Hispanic service members are one of the fastest growing demographics in the military. They bring rich cultural heritage, tenacity, and dedication to their service. Yet, they also face unique challenges. Some of these struggles include lack of representation and recognition, language and cultural barriers, difficulty transitioning to civilian life, and family and community stressors. Despite high participation, Hispanic service members remain underrepresented in senior leadership positions and are less likely to be highlighted for their achievements compared to their non-Hispanic peers. Just as Serna faced obstacles with English proficiency, modern service members sometimes encounter barriers that affect communication, advancement, or fair treatment. Hispanic Veterans report higher challenges in accessing healthcare, employment opportunities, and VA benefits, which is often compounded by systemic inequities affecting Hispanic communities at large. Military service can place strain on families, especially in communities that already face economic or immigration-related pressures.
Building a Better Future
To truly honor all service members, both past and present, we must commit to meaningful action. We can ensure equity in recognition by advocating for awards, promotions, and honors that reflect their true contributions. We can support transition services by strengthening programs that help Veterans across healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, while ensuring resources are culturally and linguistically accessible. We can invest in communities by recognizing that supporting Veterans also means uplifting the communities to which they return. We can elevate voices by sharing stories like Marcelino Serna’s to inspire recognition of the full spectrum of achievements in United States history.
Marcelino Serna’s life illustrates the extraordinary bravery of a man who gave everything to a country that was not always ready to fully honor him. His story is not only one of courage, but also of resilience in the face of discrimination. As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, let us not only remember figures like Serna, but also recognize the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Hispanic and Latino Veterans and active-duty service members. Their service calls us to reflect, to act, and to ensure that future generations inherit a more equitable and supportive nation.
Sources:
First Photo: Salud America!
Second Photo: Courtesy Texas Historical Commission
Bridges, Ken. “History Column: This Hispanic WWI Soldier Was First to Earn Distinguished Service Cross.” Amarillo.Com, 25 June 2023, www.amarillo.com/story/lifestyle/2023/06/25/bridges-world-war-i-soldier-fought-for-his adopted-country/70344011007/.
Christenson, Sig. “Medal Still in Limbo for Hispanic WWI Soldier.” PressReader, 12 Jan. 2025, www.pressreader.com/usa/houston-chronicle-sunday/20250112/281797109642788.
Duarte, Rolando. “Marcelino Serna: The Most Decorated Mexican American Soldier of WWI.” Texas State Historical Association, 27 Jan. 2016, www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/serna-marcelino.
Gamboa, Suzanne. “Bill Would Award WWI Latino Soldier Marcelino Serna the Medal of Honor.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 3 June 2021, www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/latina-congresswomans-bill-award-wwi-hero-marcelino serna-medal-honor-rcna1107.
Gomez, Elena. “Borderlands: Marcelino Serna Became World War I Hero 23 (2004-2005).” EPCC, 2018, epcc.libguides.com/c.php?g=754275&p=5406067.
“Pvt. Marcelino Serna.” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3 May 2021, https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office/uscis-facilities-dedicated-to-the-memory-of-immigrant-medal-of-honor-recipients/pvt-marcelino-serna.
Romo, Ph.D, Ricardo. “A Mexican American War Hero: Marcelino Serna.” Latinos in America, 11 Nov. 2020, latinosinamerica.substack.com/p/a-mexican-american-war-hero-marcelino.
Sargent, Bernie. “A Hero Among Men.” Texas Historical Foundation, 24 Mar. 2021, texashistoricalfoundation.org/news-events/blog.html/article/2021/03/24/a-hero-among men.
Schaeffer, Katherine. “The Changing Face of America’s Veteran Population.” Pew Research Center, 8 Nov. 2023, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/08/the-changing-face of-americas-veteran-population/sr_23-11-08_veteransday_1-png/.
Barriga Soto, José. “Marcelino Serna, El Inmigrante Veterano de La Primera Guerra Mundial.” México Desconocido, www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/marcelino-serna.html. Accessed 30 Sept. 2025.
Weis, Julia. “Marcelino Serna, Latino WWI Veteran, Gets Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, After He Faced Discrimination.” Salud America!, 11 Sept. 2020, salud-america.org/advocates-petition-to-award-latino-wwi-veteran-marcelino-serna-a-medal of-honor-after-he-faced-discrimination/.
