Downtown Riverside in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas
Never Forgotten * Forever Honored
— * A Symbol For All Veterans * —
Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 14, 2023
1. Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas Marker
Never Forgotten * Forever Honored
* A Symbol For All Veterans *
Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas
March 21, 1924 - March 20, 1945
Medal of Honor
G.O. No. 89: October 19, 1945
Squad Leader, Company F. 127th Infantry, 32nd "Red Arrow" Division
Villa Verde Trail, Luzon Philippine Islands. March 20, 1945
The story of SSgt. Ysmael R. Villegas symbolizes the sacrifices and bravery of all the men and women who have served this country in its armed forces
Ysmael R. "Smiley" Villegos was born and raised in Riverside. He saw combat in the Philippines as a squad leader in the United States Army. On March 20, 1945, one day before his 21st birthday, SSgt. Villegas repeatedly charged enemy positions, drawing their fire away from his, squad. He was killed but his squad was saved. As the result of his heroic sacrifice, SSgt. Ysmael Villegas became Riverside County's first recipient: of the Medal of Honor, this country's highest award for bravery.
Erected 1995.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is March 21, 1924.
Location. 33° 58.805′ N, 117° 22.529′ W. Marker is in Riverside, California, in Riverside County. It is in Downtown Riverside.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Riverside Military Wall of Honor (a few steps from this marker); Riverside County Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Riverside County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); E. M. Bonnett Building (about 700 feet away); Old City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Loring Building (approx. ¼ mile away); First Congregational Church (approx. ¼ mile away); The Nanjing Bell (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 14, 2023
2. Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas Marker
Photographed By Adam Margolis, June 14, 2023
3. Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 15, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
