Emiliano Gorgas - Cabrera

Emiliano Gorgas-Cabrera passed away on February 27, 2024 in El Paso, Texas, at the age of 92. Born in Barrio Cuchillas, Corozal, Puerto Rico he was the son of Juan Pablo Gorgas Martinez and Petra Cabrera Marrero. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 56 years, Ana Elba, his three brothers Antonio, Juan, Jose Ramon and three sisters Josefina, Elizabeth and Carmen. He is survived by his second wife of 15 years, Sabine, his son, Eddie of Midwest City, OK; daughter Elba (Dub) of El Paso, TX; grandchildren, Andy of Denver, CO and Ana with his great grandson Anthony of El Paso, TX.

Emiliano joined the U.S. Army in Puerto Rico in 1950. He fought with the 65th Infantry Regiment, the Borinqueneers, in the Korean War. In the late 1950’s he was stationed in Germany. One of his most important assignments for 5 years was with the U.S.Army Mission to the Panama Canal Zone where he was attached to the U.S. Embassy. After two tours of duty in the Vietnam War Emiliano retired from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer (W3) in 1971.

He received multiple awards during the Korean and Vietnam wars to include: The Purple Heart, The Combat Infantry’s Badge, The Bronze Star Medal (with oak leaf cluster), The Army Commendation Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal (2), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Vietnamese Civil Actions Honor Medal (1st Class), The United Nations Service Medal, The Braven Golden Medal of Greece and numerous others during his two decades of service. He was especially proud when the Congressional Gold Medal was finally presented to the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico his Borinqueneers in 2016 for their brave service during the Korean War.

In 1980 he proudly earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the New Mexico State University. For several years he worked in the Civil Service from where he retired in 1993.

After this retirement Emiliano continued to serve through active support of various military retiree and veterans' organizations in the El Paso area like the MOAA, MOPH, NAUS, DAV, SMW. He enjoyed helping people, organizing events, and serving the military community.

It was Emiliano’s wish to have a graveside service only.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the El Paso MOAA Outreach Foundation which provides resources for support to local veterans and military personnel. Please send your donation to the El Paso MOAA Outreach Foundation, PO Box 6144, Fort Bliss, TX 79906-0144.

A graveside funeral for Emiliano will be held Monday, March 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at External Service Location, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX 79904.