Latinos have fought in every single one of the U.S.' wars, even the Revolutionary War, yet Latino contributions to the freedom and prosperity of this nation often go unrecognized.

Marcelino Serna was one of the greatest heroes of World War I. He was also a Mexican immigrant. Serna's acts of heroism are the stuff of legend - but he was denied the army's highest honor because of his heritage. It's past time Congress awards him the medal he deserves.

Born in Chihuahua, Serna immigrated to the U.S. as a young man and worked in the fields as a farm laborer. He voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent overseas to France. As an immigrant, he wasn't drafted or forced to be there. His command gave him the option to return home. He chose to stay and fight.

The U.S.' most famous WWI hero, corporal Alvin York, was awarded the Medal of Honor after single-handedly taking out an enemy entrenchment. Marcelino Serna did the same thing - twice.

The second time, Serna surprised a trench packed with 50 German soldiers. After hitting them with grenades, he fired into the trench from different positions to make them think they were surrounded. Twenty-four German soldiers surrendered; the rest were dead.

Escorting his captives back to friendly lines, a sergeant ordered Serna to illegally execute them on the spot. His response? "¡Cabrón! ¡No!"

Serna continued fighting until just four days before the end of the war, when he took sniper fire to both legs.

For his acts of incredible valor and service to the nation, Serna deserves the Medal of Honor, an award that was denied to him because of the "extreme prejudice" of the time. 

Let's make sure he and others like him get the recognition they deserve.

Immigrants make America great.

Read Marcelino's full story here: https://bit.ly/2F0hieJ