Tedosio "Ted" Garcia

Ted joined the US Army in October, 1940 at 17, and stationed at Ft Bliss TX. Patrolling the border on horseback from Columbus, NM to Marfa. In June 1943, his troop was dismounted, shipped to Australia, training in jungle warfare. Fought in New Guinea and wounded in combat in the Admiralty Islands by rifle fire. He was awarded his first Purple Heart and returned to action. After taking Leyte Island, his troop landed on Luzon Island and made a flying column to Manila surprising the enemy, securing University of Santo Tomas and freeing American Prisoners of War. He was wounded in Manila by Japanese hand grenades and awarded his second Purple Heart Oak Leaf Cluster, returning to battle and advancing until securing Luzon Island, earning enough points to return home. During his service, he received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and awarded the Bronze Star in July 1945. After military duty, he returned to El Paso, married Ophelia Lopez Garcia. He had 5 children, 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was involved in the garage door business since 1947 and part of the El Paso Door since 1979. Visitation: 4:00pm-9:00pm with Vigil/Rosary at 7:00pm Thursday, May 12, 2016 Sunset Funeral Home-East. Funeral Mass: 1:00pm Friday, May 13, 2016 St. Raphael Parish. Interment: 2:30pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Please visit our online registry at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net