SSG Wallace Rodriguez Romero Sr

courtesy of Des Philippet

SSG Wallace Rodriguez Romero Sr was born 11 Apr 1913 in Houston, Texas. He was the oldest and only son of the 4 children born to James Donaciano and Fannie Romano (Cardenas) Romero. His father was a native of Mexico City, Mexico and had worked as a cook and owned a grocery in Houston. Wallace married Janie Ramos in December 1934 and they would have a son in 1937. The family was living at 2009 Union Street in Houston and Wallace was working for Henke and Pillot Grocery Company.

Wallace was drafted in late 1943 and after his basic military training he was sent to the European theater arriving in September 1944. On 10 Sep 1944 PVT Romero was transferred from the replacement depot to F Company 116th Infantry. He was promoted to PFC on 21 Sep 1944. Reported as missing in action on 17 Oct 1944 he was back with his unit on 18 Oct 1944. Wallace must have demonstrated leadership and competence in combat beyond that of his fellow soldiers because on 11 Dec 1944 he was promoted to SSG to serve as a squad leader. SSG Romero continued to fight with his unit until killed in action on 25 Feb 1945 in the attack on Lutzerath, Germany.

SSG Romero rests forever in the Netherlands American Cemetery.