Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Staff Sergeant Marcario Garcia
Medal of Honor citation
Photographed By James Hulse, May 21, 2024
1. Staff Sergeant Marcario Garcia Marker
Citation:
Staff Sergeant Marcario García, Company B, 22nd Infantry, in action involving actual conflict with the enemy in the vicinity of Grosshau, Germany, 27 November 1944. While an acting squad leader, he single-handedly assaulted two enemy machine gun emplacements. Attacking prepared positions on a wooded hill, which could be approached only through meager cover. His company was pinned down by intense machine-gun fire and subjected to a concentrated artillery and mortar barrage. Although painfully wounded, he refused to be evacuated and on his own initiative crawled forward alone until he reached a position near an enemy emplacement. Hurling grenades, he boldly assaulted the position, destroyed the gun, and with his rifle killed three of the enemy who attempted to escape. When he rejoined his company, a second machine-gun opened fire and again the intrepid soldier went forward, utterly disregarding his own safety. He stormed the position and destroyed the gun, killed three more Germans, and captured four prisoners. He fought on with
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is January 20, 1920.
Location. 29° 55.857′ N, 95° 27.07′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. Marker is at the intersection of Thomas Circle and Military Drive on Thomas Circle. The marker is located at the center section of the Houston National Cemetery near the chapel. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Houston TX 77038, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Sergeant David H. McNerney (here, next to this marker); Albert Thomas (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain James H. Fields (within shouting distance of this marker); First Lieutenant Raymond L. Knight (within shouting distance of this marker); Carillon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Address by President Lincoln at the Dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery (about 700 feet away); "The Fighting Fourth"
Photographed By James Hulse, May 21, 2024
2. Staff Sergeant Marcario Garcia Gravestone and Marker
Also see . . . Garcia, Macario (1920–1972). Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)
Macario García, recipient of the Medal of Honor during World War II, was born on January 2, 1920, in Villa de Castaño, Mexico, to Luciano and Josefa García, farm workers who raised ten children. In 1923 the family moved to Texas; they eventually settled in Sugar Land. Like the rest of his brothers and sisters, he contributed to the family's support by picking crops. He was working on the Paul Schumann Ranch near Sugar Land when he was drafted into the army on November 11, 1942. García distinguished himself on the battlefield. He was wounded in action at Normandy in June 1944, but after his recovery he rejoined his unit, Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-second Infantry Regiment, Fourth Infantry Division. On November 27, 1944, near Grosshau, Germany, he singlehandedly assaulted two German machine-gun emplacements that were blocking his company's advance. Wounded in the shoulder and foot, he crawled forward alone towards the machine-gun nests, killed six enemy soldiers, captured four, and(Submitted on May 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)destroyed the nests with grenades. Only after the company had secured its position did García allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. He was awarded the Medal of Honor with twenty-seven other soldiers at a White House ceremony on August 23, 1945, by President Harry S. Truman. García also received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge, as well as the medal of Mérito Militar, the Mexican equivalent to the Medal of Honor, during a ceremony in Mexico City on January 8, 1946. After three years of active service, one of which was overseas, García received an honorable discharge from the army with the rank of sergeant. He returned to Sugar Land and found that he had become a celebrity around the state. Newspapers published accounts of his heroism, and he was asked to appear at meetings and banquets. The League of United Latin American Citizens Council No. 60 in Houston, presided over by president Fernando Salas Aldaz and vice president John J. Herrera, honored him at a special ceremony at the courthouse.Photographed By James Hulse, May 21, 20243. The view of the Staff Sergeant Marcario Garcia Marker from the circle
Public Domain - US National Archives and Records Administration, circa 1945
4. President Harry Truman awards the Congressional Medal of Honor to Macario Garcia
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 54 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
