John Velez
Posted by: Tony Velez
Like many other Americans of his day, John Hernandez Velez was born into what eventually came to be known as the Great Generation. Born four years before the Great Depression in Rocksprings, Texas he grew up in an area that is known as the wool and mohair center of the state of Texas. He was born May 15, 1925, to Sabino and Maria Hernandez Velez. His father, known as Chapo, was a working cowboy for the United States Army. John Velez attended school at Rocksprings, Texas where he learned the work and trade of sheep and goat shearing.
In December of 1941 the country was at war and several members of Edwards County were called to serve in the war effort. In early 1942 at the age of 17 John’s parents moved to Knox County and began the transition of working the land and becoming farmers. As the war continued to escalate, he convinced his father that he was going to be drafted and that he wanted to enlist. He left Knox County with his friend Sam Ed Carpenter and they both entered the United States Marines on November 22, 1943. He completed basic training in San Diego and on June 24th of the following year and he and his friend were moved to Hawaii with the Fifth Marine Division, 11th Amtrak Battalion for amphibious training. When they arrived at Hawaii, they were asked who had farming experience and John raised his hand. Farmers who had experience operating farm equipment were trained as Amtrak tank operators. An Amtrak had three operators and could carry about 27 marines.
The amphibious training continued on the island of Hawaii until the month of January when they boarded the ship. Upon boarding the ship, the men didn’t know where they were going but after being out to sea for several days they were told that their destination was the island of Iwo Jima. Pre-landing bombardment on Iwo Jima started on February 16, 1945 and continued for three days utilizing several battleships including the Arkansas, the New York, the Texas, the Nevada, the Idaho, the Tennessee, t
Enrique Alvarez, Air Force
Daniel Casillas Sr. , Army
Daniel Casillas, Army
Clyde O Winters, Marine Corps
James Smith
