WWI Vet, El Paso hero receives Texas’s highest military decoration
EL PASO, Texas – El Pasoan Pvt. Marcelino Serna was posthumously awarded Texas's highest military decoration, The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott presented the award to members of Serna's family at the Governor's mansion.
"We are in awe that our great-grandfather's heroic acts are not only remembered but still being honored over 100 years later. We never knew our Tata for his bravery, only his plentiful garden, abundant love, and patriotism. We are grateful that his legacy will now be remembered not just by our family but by the entire State of Texas. We wish our grandmother, his daughter Gloria Serna, would've loved to see this,” the Serna family said in a statement released to the media.
Serna was recognized for his valiant efforts during World War I. Texas Senator Cesar J. Blanco, Dist. 29, successfully nominated Private Serna for the award.
"I am proud of Texas for taking the lead on righting an injustice and honoring Pvt. Serna for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. I appreciate Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, the Legislative Medal of Honor Committee, fellow veterans, and most of all the Serna family, for uplifting and honoring the legacy of U.S. Army Private Serna. I urge Congress to follow Texas' lead and award Pvt. Serna the Congressional Medal of Honor,” said Blanco.
In 2017, the Tornillo Port of Entry was renamed the Tornillo-Marcelino Serna Port of Entry.
