Belisario Flores

Bio

Belisario Flores was born on July 22, 1926 in Eagle Pass, Texas. He graduated from San Antonio Vocational and Technical School in 1944. He volunteered for military service in the Enlisted Reserves Corps (ERC). He was called to Active Duty in January 1945 and was given an honorable discharge in August of 1946. He used the GI Bill to further his education and graduated in 1950 from St. Mary’s University with a degree in Business Administration. He was recalled to Active Duty on June 8, 1951. His tour lasted from June 1951 to March 1953, and he earned a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two battle stars. He went back to Texas after the war and joined the Army Reserves. In 1959 he was given the position of GS-12 Air Technician. He was also awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1974, was the first Hispanic to be promoted to the Air Force of Texas, and was one of only eight Hispanics in the entire United States to be promoted to General Officer.

Video Clips

My Brother Joe

Belisario Flores speaks about his brother, Joe. He shares that his brother suffered from physical and mental complications as a result of being in the Korean War. He acknowledges neither of them had ever heard of Korea before the war started.

Tags: Depression,Front lines,Prior knowledge of Korea

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"We Had Our Mission, They Had Theirs"

Belisario Flores describes the Chinese as good fighters, and he really had nothing against them. He adds that he did not have anything against the North Koreans either. All he knew was that he was fighting against communism. He describes the Colombian Infantry Battalion of which he was one of the leaders because he spoke Spanish.

Tags: Chinese,Front lines,North Koreans

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Awards Received

Belisario Flores discusses his Bronze Star Medal and other awards. He explains each briefly and showcases them.

Tags: Pride

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"Until You Are There, You Don't Understand"

Belisario Flores discusses his brother's letters and the great loss of friends in Korea. He notes that his brother came back a changed man. He shares he was emotional about one particular death and avoided talking about Korea for many years; It would stay with him forever.

Tags: Depression,Letters

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Economy in Korea Today and Closing Thoughts

Belisario Flores says the time he spent in the war and the tremendous success of Korea today gives him great satisfaction. He feels he played a "little bitty" part in the recovery of South Korea. He is very proud and wants young people to know that freedom is not free. He emphasizes one has to fight and stand up for what he/she believes in.