Soldier

Military service shaped Dr. Garcia’s life and activism. When he returned to the United States after serving overseas during World War II, he joined the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The organization addressed issues of discrimination but did not, Dr. Garcia believed, do enough for veterans. In 1948, he founded the American GI Forum (AGIF). The veterans’ advocacy group soon evolved into a powerful and effective force for civil rights as men and women established chapters nationwide.

Serving in the Military

Dr. Garcia’s military service began at an early age. At 15, he joined the Civilian Military Training Corps (CMTC). He entered active duty in 1942 and served with the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Europe and North Africa during World War II. Dr. Garcia received several commendations for outstanding service, including one citation that praised his devotion to duty and “desire to do more than his share.”

Dr. Garcia's military training certificate.

Military Training Certificate, Citizens' Military Training Camps

Dr. Garcia’s commitment to military service began in 1929 when he joined the CMTC, predecessor to the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He received several such training certificates.

Dr. Garcia's military portrait taken during his World War II service.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia Military Portrait

This military portrait of Dr. Garcia was taken during his World War II service. He achieved the ranks of captain in 1942 and major in 1947.

Letter from Dr. Hector P. Garcia to Jose Garcia

In this 1942 letter to his family, Dr. Garcia discusses life in the military and promises to send money soon.

Photograph of Dr. Garcia's medical unit in North Africa during World War II.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia during World War II

Dr. Garcia’s medical unit is photographed in North Africa during World War II.

Dr. Garcia's Bronze Star Medal certificate.

The Bronze Star Medal

For his admirable service during World War II, Dr. Garcia received the Bronze Star Medal. The citation for the medal recognized his “outstanding diligence and loyalty to duty.”

Certificate of Naturalization

Like many immigrants during World War II, Dr. Garcia served his country valiantly before becoming a U.S. citizen. His received this certificate of naturalization in 1946.

Photograph of the AGIF convention in Los Angeles in 1956.

AGIF Convention, Los Angeles

The AGIF expanded to California in 1956. Here, members gather in Los Angeles for the 11th annual AGIF convention.

Robert F. Kennedy at AGIF Convention in Chicago.

Robert F. Kennedy at AGIF Convention, Chicago

The AGIF’s annual conventions attracted high-profile guests. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy attended the 1964 Chicago convention.

Photograph of the AGIF locations on a USA map

The American GI Forum of the USA

AGIF chapters reached the east and west coasts by 1974.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia Portrait

This portrait of Dr. Garcia captures many of his proudest accomplishments, including his medical practice, the AGIF, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Founding the American GI Forum

Despite their wartime service and sacrifices, Mexican American veterans encountered racism, discrimination, and poverty when they returned to the United States. In response, Dr. Garcia convened a meeting in 1948 for veterans in Corpus Christi. Hundreds gathered and decided to establish a veterans’ rights organization, the AGIF. With Dr. Garcia as its president, the AGIF flourished and spread nationwide.

Photograph of a newspaper article announcing the meeting of veterans that resulting in the creation of the AGIF.

Veterans to Air Problems at Lamar School Meeting Tonite

This newspaper article announces the March 26, 1948 meeting for veterans that resulted in the creation of the AGIF.

Photograph of Dr. Garcia's AGIF Founder Hat.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia's American GI Forum Founder Hat

Dr. Garcia proudly wore an AGIF founder’s hat for nearly five decades.

Photograph of the constitution and bylaws of the AGIF.

Constitution and By Laws, American GI Forum

The AGIF Constitution outlines the organization’s principles and goals, stating its dedication to all veterans “regardless of race, color, or creed.”

Letter from Dr. Garcia to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Letter from Dr. Hector P. Garcia to the Veterans of Foreign Wars

In this letter to members of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dr. Garcia announces the creation of the AGIF and describes many of the problems facing veterans in South Texas.

Photograph of Dr. Garcia with AGIF Auxiliary Member, Claudina Garza.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia with AGIF Auxiliary Member Claudina Garza

The AGIF welcomed the participation of women, who formed auxiliary chapters. Here Dr. Garcia greets Claudina Garza, who established a chapter in Chicago.

Audio recording of the origins and importance of the AGIF produced by the University of Texas in Austin.

The Mexican American Experience Radio Program

This audio recording, produced by the University of Texas at Austin, explores the origins and importance of the AGIF.

Video of Dr. Garcia discussing the organization's beginnings at the AGIF's 43rd national convention.

The American GI Forum's 43rd National Convention

In this video, taken at the AGIF's 43rd national convention, Dr. Garcia discusses the organization's beginnings.

Supporting Soldiers and Veterans

Dr. Garcia’s commitment to America’s soldiers and veterans never wavered. He became a personal advocate for thousands of soldiers, providing medical care, arranging funeral services, and supporting the families of the fallen. Throughout the Vietnam War he also made an effort to greet returning coffins at the Corpus Christi airport, firm in his belief that “It is the least I can do for them.”

Letter from Dr. Garcia to Frank McGee, Corpus Christi Draft Board, promoting equal treatment for all those serving in the armed forces.

Letter from Dr. Hector P. Garcia to Frank McGee, Corpus Christi Draft Board

Dr. Garcia promoted equal treatment for all those serving in the armed forces. In 1948, he wrote to the local draft board protesting discrimination against Spanish-speaking draftees.

Letter from Dr. Garcia to the United States Army, requesting a delay in deployment for the son of a sick patient.

Letter from Dr. Hector P. Garcia to the United States Army

Dr. Garcia advocated personally for the people who came to him for help. In this letter, he requests a delay in deployment for the son of a sick patient.

Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Eluterio V. Barrera to Dr. Garcia. The Barrera's are thanking Dr. Garcia and the AGIF for honoring their son who was killed in Vietnam.

Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Eluterio V. Barrera to Dr. Hector P. Garcia

In this letter, the Barrera family thanks Dr. Garcia and the AGIF for honoring the sacrifice of their son, a private killed in Vietnam.

Photograph of the funeral arrangements made for Corporal Reynaldo N. Orozco from the AGIF.

Funeral Arrangements for Corporal Reynaldo N. Orozco, American GI Forum

The AGIF made funeral arrangements for soldiers killed overseas.

Photograph of Dr. Garcia with Latino Medal of Honor Recipients.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia with Medal of Honor Recipients

Dr. Garcia wanted the government to recognize the sacrifice and bravery of soldiers from minority groups. In this photograph, he poses with Latino Medal of Honor recipients.

Fighting for Felix Longoria

In 1949 the director of a funeral home in Three Rivers, Texas, refused to host a service for Private Felix Longoria because of his ethnicity. Longoria’s widow, Beatrice, turned to Dr. Garcia for help. The AGIF launched a massive protest that resulted in a formal burial service for Private Longoria at Arlington National Cemetery. The experience transformed the AGIF into powerful voice for Mexican American civil rights.

Letter from Dr. Garcia to Senator Lyndon B. Johnson to urge action towards honoring Private Longoria.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia Digital Exhibit