New York.- Miguel ÁngelEscalera was born on January 20, 1921, in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Hemoved to New York on July 2, 1940 at the age of 19. During World War II,Escalera enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 3, 1942.
In 1944, he was anInfantry sergeant and led a platoon of 30 soldiers through Germany. Escalerawas awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while engaged in combatafter saving the lives of his entire platoon in an ambush in Germany.
In 1957, after his timein the service, Escalera moved to Clinton, Connecticut where he joined theAmerican Legion as a volunteer assisting older veterans. Today he lives a quietlife with his family.
To learn more aboutEscalera and other Dominican veterans that served in the U.S. Armed Forcesduring World War II, please make sure to register for our upcoming exhibit:
Fighting For Democracy:
Dominican Veterans FromWorld War II
Opening on November 11,2015, 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
Place: CUNY Center forDominican Studies