“Patriots from the Barrio” meet author Dave Gutierrez Sat. Aprtil 21!

Patriots from the Barrio captures the Mexican American experience in World War II in a poignant manner that covers the origin and return of the “Men from Company E”  of the 36th Infantry Division to their West Texas homes.  The tome traces in great detail the trajectory of these Mexican American servicemen, mostly from El Paso, TX, and reveals their renown, but for a time forgotten and neglected, exploits in the European theatre of war.  Particular attention is paid to the unit’s ill-fated crossing of the Rapido River in Italy that resulted in needless American casualties, and the significant blowback that ensued from the Mexican American Servicemen who survived, including the salient narrative of an icon for El Paso veterans, Captain Gabriel Navarrete.  The tome also reveals with great insight the personal lives of selected “veteranos” and their adjustment to civilian life.  Of particular importance is the role these individuals played in civic organizations like LULAC and the veterans organization, American G.I. Forum.​