Photogallery: Private Felix Longoria

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In June, 1945, Private Felix Longoria of the small South Texas town of Three Rivers was killed in action in the Philippines. The refusal of a Three Rivers funeral home to allow use of their facility for a wake, because "the whites won't like it," resulted in a national incident.

Wife Beatrice and her five year old daughter Adela had to wait over three years for Felix Longoria's remains to be returned to them in Three Rivers. This photo was taken shortly before Longoria left for the Philippines.

Dr. Hector Garcia sent telegrams to dozens of public officials and to the media. As a result, newspapers headlines reporting the incident were seen across the country.

With the assistance of Senator Lyndon Johnson, Felix Longoria was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The attention of the gathered press was on those standing near Longoria's flag draped casket.