MACRI TALK – Patriots from the Barrio

Join us for a special Veterans’ Day MACRI Talk about Company E, 141st Infantry, the only all Mexican American army unit in World War II, featuring author Dave Gutierrez.

As a child, Dave Gutierrez heard stories about his cousin Ramon, who served in World War II. Gutierrez later found out that Ramon was part of Company E, 141st Infantry, a unit composed entirely of Mexican Americans. Drawing from extensive archival and oral history research with veterans and family members, Patriots from the Barrio tells the story of Company E’s members during the war. 

📍This MACRI Talk will stream live on Tuesday, November 11, at 6 PM Central on MACRI’s Facebook at https://bit.ly/FB-MACRI and YouTube at https://bit.ly/YT-MACRI.

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About the book
As a child, Dave Gutierrez hung on every word his father recalled about his cousin Ramon, “El Sancudo” (the mosquito), and his service in World War II, where he earned a Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, and escaped from the Germans twice. Later, Dave decided to find out more about his father’s cousin, and in the course of his research, he discovered that Ramon Gutierrez was a member of Company E, 141st Infantry, a part of the 36th “Texas” Division that was comprised entirely of Mexican Americans—the only such unit in the entire U.S. Army. The division landed at Salerno, Italy, in 1943, among the first American soldiers to set foot in Europe. In the ensuing months, Company E and the rest of the 36th would battle their way up the mountainous Italian peninsula against some of Nazi Germany’s best troops.

Based on extensive archival research and veteran and family accounts, Patriots from the Barrio: The Story of Company E, 141st Infantry, The Only All Mexican American Army Unit in World War II brings to life the soldiers whose service should never have gone unrecognized for so long. With its memorable personalities, stories of hope and immigration, and riveting battle scenes, this beautifully written book is a testament to the shared beliefs of all who have fought for the ideals of the American flag.

About our guest
Dave Gutierrez is a historian, writer, and author of the book Patriots from the Barrio. Patriots from the Barrio has been named one of the top 24 History books of all time by Book Riot.  His articles have appeared in publications including American Legion and War History Online. Recognized by both the Texas Military Forces Museum in Austin and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans for his groundbreaking work on Company E 141st Infantry, he also specializes in genealogical research, Mexican American history, and World War II studies. Dave is a member of the National Medal of Honor Museum’s Advisory Panel. 

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MACRI’s programs are funded in part by the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture, Bexar County, the Mellon Foundation, the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, Spurs Give, and individual donors like you! Gracias!

As always, views and ideas shared by presenters do not necessarily reflect those of the MACRI, its staff, board, or funders.