Tony Garcia was born in Victoria, Texas during
the family vacation. He calls himself a vacation baby. Like so many others
they too went through the depression, but his father had a job, working for
the railroad. His father built two houses for the family, which took many
years, with the help of Tony's two brothers. Tony thinks he pounded a few
nails also. He entered the Army at age 18, spending a few months in Fort Bliss
(Texas) "enjoying" the hot sun. Tony had seen pictures of paratroopers
flying outof airplanes and decided that was something for him. "It would
be a good outfit and an extra $50"
He was impressed by the men who were hoping
to receive the coveted paratrooper wings.
Tony was aware of the country of Holland but only knew that there were windmills
and wooden shoes. His knowledge of the country was very limited, like most
other people.
One of many thoughts is of his "foxhole
buddy" LESTER HASHEY.
According to Tony, Lester had a death-wish.
He would hear of a patrol going out and would volunteer and ask Tony to join.
Tony's answer was: "Get away from me, you idiot."
After the war Tony tried college for 3 years but (as he told me) "Textbooks and me did not mix well." He than reenlisted in the Army for three years during the Korean War and went Airborne again.
After those years he moved to California where he still lives (2004)
Tony does not know if he thinks more about
the war now than in the past but he does think about how lucky he was he survived.
He was the only one of his squad who neither wounded or killed.
He has attended a couple of reunions and did contact a couple of buddies on
accasion.
He thinks the war should be commemorated and told me: "Perhaps the anti-war protestors will learn something about our country, but war should be made only for just cause."
During the times I've had contact with Tony he happened to be a nice and humble man who has his heart on the right spot. His life was not exactly without problems. Untill today he takes care of his wife (who suffers MS) with never ending patience and devotion.
Left: Tony with Doug Spain, the actor who portrayed him in the tv-series.
fltr: Peter van de Wal (webmaster) - Tony Garcia and Nancy (Emmy Awards in 2002)
It was a privilege to meet them.
Above: Tony together with his very happy family (Phoenix reunion 2002)
Dave Deshler is the nephew of Tony Garcia and he does whatever he can to relay the story of the sacrifices of so many people during WWII (both military and civilian) to youngsters so that noone will forget. His non-profit education organization dedicates all their international programs to the memory of his Uncle Tony and all those who did so much to ensure the freedom to travel the world . As a civilian skydiver, he has dedicated all his jumping to his Uncle Tony - He wears a "Band of Brothers" screaming eagles patch on the shoulder strap of his parachute harness and talks to anyone who asks him about it whenhe is jumping.
He had a chance to participate in a memorial jump dedicated to the 101st Airborne in 2002 as well. Tony Garcia sent him his original jump boots, dog tags and insignia wings from WWII to jump for him, since he can no longer parachute.
