Gilberto M Hernandez

He was born on September 13, 1925 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Eusebio and Maria Antonia Martinez.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years Aurelia (Abbie); sister Ermelinda Reyna, brother Alberto Hernandez; grandson John Phillip Trevino and son-in-law Robert R. Trevino.

Gilbert leaves behind to cherish his memories his four children, Frances Dolores Trevino, Carmen (Travis) Moore, Gilbert (Cindy) Hernandez, Richard Hernandez, son-in-law Michael Briones, daughters-in-law Rachal Andruszkiewicz, Maricella Moss, and Dina Ramon.

His grandchildren Lewis Thomas and Gina (Jacob) Ramos; Stephanie, Natalie, Dean and Dale Briones; John, Chuck (Michelle), Joshua and Alexis Hernandez; Neil (Lorena), Travis, Wayne, Caroline and James Hernandez.

His great-grandchildren John and Malaina Trevino, Alec Trevino Brown; Celeste Thomas; JohnGilbert and Aidan Ramos; Gabrielle and Victoria Rojas; Charlie and Jacob Hernandez; Alayna Yepez-Briones and Matthew Briones.

Gilbert served in the U.S. Army from 1944-1945 during World War II. His first assignment was with the Rainbow Division then on to the 75th Infantry Division-289th Infantry Regiment landing on the beach at Normandy in the winter of 1944 marching across France and into Belgium, thrust into the Battle of the Bulge to help rebuff a surprise German offensive.

For his war efforts he recently received the French Legion Medal of Honor, and also has the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. His most revered decoration is the gold five double arms of the French Legion Medal of Honor that he received in November 2010. This represents the highest decoration given by the French government to military personnel for outstanding service and sacrifice to liberate France. His dream was fulfilled in receiving his final military service award after nearly 66 years. The award was presented at a Veterans Day ceremony at the home of the French Consulate General in Houston and he was honored with the title of Chevalier. Daddy is our Hero and a Hero to our Nation. He received much notoriety from all aspects of the media, including a Caller Times front page article (Nov 29, 2010), and several local television interviews and other accolades. His war wounds caused him to have his right leg amputated. He met his bride to be in Ogden City, Utah while recuperating from his wounds. He never held back from doing whatever he chose to do. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, bowler, golfer, poker player and rock climber. He was basically indestructible; rough, tough and hard to bluff.

He retired at age 72 from the Corpus Christi Army Depot with 40 years of service and throughout those years also received numerous commendations for his recommendations on how to improve certain processes in money savings for helicopter parts servicing.

His grandsons, John, Chuck, Travis, Wayne, Neil and Josh Hernandez; Dean and Dale Briones will serve as Pallbearers. Grandson Lewis Thomas will serve as Honorary Pallbearer.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Thursday, May 26, 2011 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home with a rosary to be recited that same evening at 7:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, May 27, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.