During distinguished service in the Pacific in the thick of WW2, Geronimo “Jerry” Gonzales impressed many of his fellow shipmates with his deep pride in the rich heritage of Texas. Many of his Navy buddies had no idea of the crucial roles many Hispanic individuals played in the Texas fight for independence from Santa Anna’s dictatorial rule.
This experience left a lasting impression on him and upon his return to his home in Texas Jerry and a couple of like-minded friends spent years combing through a series of archives researching and verifying the contributions different Hispanic individuals made to the Texian cause. This extensive research was incredibly time-consuming, since it was in the era of unrecorded paper documents as well as micro-fiche records. Since this work was done in the years before internet or any online capability, all of this painstaking research could only be accessed on-site in libraries and museums.
The result is this amazing compilation of over 150 individuals, men and women from all walks of life, from simple but clear-sighted farmers, ranchers and business professionals to leaders who had even served in the Mexican Government itself. Of course no list will ever be complete, as new information is always being added to the great body of understanding. Nonetheless, this incredible document provides a fabulous addition to the rich and distinctive history of the Lone Star State.
