Miguel Ángel Escalera
Miguel Ángel Escalera was born on January 20, 1921, in La Romana, Dominican Republic. He moved to New York City on July 2, 1940 at the age of 19. During WWII, Escalera enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 3, 1942. He served as a Technician 5th Grade in the 100th infantry Division, helping to supply ammunition to the front lines. In 1944, he was an infantry sergeant and led a platoon of 30 soldiers through Germany. Escalera was awarded the Silver Star Medal of gallantry in action while engaged in combat after saving the lives of his entire platoon in an ambush in Germany. Other decorations include two Presidential Unit Citations, two Combat Bronze Stars, a Combat Expert Infantry Badge, and a medal from the government of France for his role in the liberation of the Town of Bitche.