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PVT CRUZ AMAYA

     

 
Alien's Personal History and Statement, a four page form submitted on 2 June 1942, was signed by Jose Cruz Amaya and endorsed by a Col. A. W. Hoffe.

Cruz, aka Jose Cruz, came into the county on 18 April 1918 as an infant when his parents entered the U.S. at Laredo, TX.

Amaya stated that he had an 8th grade education and supported himself selling popcorn and ice cream by "peddling in my wagon."  This is consistent with his enlistment record which classified his occupation as "Huckster and Peddler."

He also indicated that he had recently been employed as a laborer, dishwasher and assistant cook in three San Antonio businesses.

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Application for a grave marker and resulting stone for Pvt Cruz Amaya in San Fernando Cemetery #2, San Antonio (Bexar county), Texas.

Cruz, a native of Ciudad Victoria (Tamaulipas) Mexico enlisted in the Army at Fort Sam Houston, TX on 8 May 1943 and was assigned to Hq 2nd, 508 PIR.

On 30 September 1943 Pvt Amaya was transferred to the 69th Infantry Division at Camp Shelby, MS.  Perhaps determined to be part of the 82nd Airborne, he subsequently transferred to Company C, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment.

As such he went into Normandy on D-day aboard a glider and entered combat, perhaps in the vicinity of the 508th in places such as Timmes orchard where members of the 508th and 325th fought side by side.

Pvt Amaya was killed in action on June 9, 1944 and was awarded the Purple Heart.

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