Illustration by Nuestro Stories.
Pedro Cano is a World War II hero who was overlooked for decades due to the barriers he faced as a Latino soldier.
Pedro Cano, A Forgotten Hero
Born in 1920 in La Morita, Mexico, Pedro Cano moved to Texas with his family as a young boy. Like many Mexican-Americans of that time, Cano faced discrimination and inequality. However, his determination and love for his country led him to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War II.
It was during the Battle of Schevenhütte in Germany on December 2, 1944, that Cano's valor would shine brightly. Serving as a private in Company C, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Cano's actions on that fateful day would forever change the course of his life.
As detailed by the U.S. Army’s official website, under heavy enemy fire, Cano single-handedly destroyed two enemy machine-gun positions, eliminating their threat and allowing his comrades to advance. Despite sustaining severe injuries from shrapnel, he pressed on, refusing to abandon his fellow soldiers. Cano's courage and determination inspired those around him, propelling the American forces toward victory.
Read more: This Veterans Memorial in Waco is One of the Largest Ones Founded by a Latino
Recognition Delayed
Despite his incredible display of bravery, Cano's valor went unrecognized for many years. The prevailing racial bias and discrimination prevalent at the time prevented his heroic actions from receiving the attention they deserved. It wasn't until decades later that the true magnitude of Cano's bravery would be acknowledged.
On March 18, 2014, Pedro Cano was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Schevenhütte. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, his daughter, Dominga Perez, accepted it on her father's behalf from President Barack Obama during a ceremony at the White House. This long-overdue recognition was a testament to Cano's dedication to duty, his selfless actions, and his resilience in the face of adversity.
Aside from that award, Cano received other accolades, including two Bronze Star medals, a Purple Heart, and a Distinguished Service Cross.
