“New Mexico WWII Veteran Reflects on Service as He Approaches 101st Birthday”
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Vincent Cordova, a World War II veteran born and raised in New Mexico, has shared his remarkable story of military service during one of America’s deadliest conflicts. As he approaches his 101st birthday, Cordova’s experiences and memories remain vivid, and he reflects with pride and no regrets.
Cordova’s journey began nearly 85 years ago when, at just 16 years old, he persuaded his father to sign an enlistment form allowing him to join the army. “We saw a sign that said ‘Uncle Sam Wants You’,” Cordova recalled. “So he signed it and I went back to the recruiter and he put us on a train.”
In September 1940, Cordova chose to join the Calvary, driven by his love for horses. “I love horses so that was probably my favorite. I was a cowboy,” he said. However, the onset of World War II soon altered his path. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the military reassessed its needs and decided that “We need men we don’t need horses.” Consequently, Cordova and his fellow cavalry members were reassigned to infantry roles.
Cordova’s service took him across the globe. Reflecting on his youthful courage, he said, “I was 16 years old and I just figured we’d go down there and do our job but it never entered my mind that I would get hurt.” He survived many harrowing experiences, earning multiple accolades, including two Purple Hearts.
Despite the risks and the loss of comrades, Cordova remained resolute. “I realized life is just a breath away,” he said. “I can’t help but think of the guys that I buried.” His service did not end with World War II; he later served in the Air Force during the Cold War, totaling 20 years in military service.
Cordova’s dedication to his country remains unwavering. “If Uncle Sam wanted me to go back again, I’d go back,” he affirmed. Now, as he celebrates his milestone birthday, he remains proud of his service and fondly speaks of his home state. “There’s no place in the world like New Mexico,” Cordova concluded.
