Asturians under American flag
Historical page about of those young people of Asturian origin who participated with the US in World War II.
WW2 Pilot Badge
Air Medal
The Air Medal was established by Executive Order 9158, signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt on May 11, 1942. It was awarded retroactive to September 8, 1939, to anyone who distinguishes himself by meritorious achievement while serving with the Armed Forces in aerial flight.
Marcelino Huerta Jr. was born in Tampa (Florida) on October 31, 1923, being the firstborn of the marriage formed by Marcelino Huerta (Villanueva de Pereda – Grado – Asturias – 04/03/1893) and Josefina Huerta (Tampa – Florida – 01 /08/1906), followed by his sister Josephine (Tampa, 12/18/1924).
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Marcelino studied at Hillsborough High School graduating in 1940 and continuing at the University of Florida where he was a member of the soccer team.
In February 1943, he entered the AAF Pilot School Cochran Field, Macon, Georgia to obtain pilot training and specialize in guidance and bombing at the Easter Training Center. Earns his bomber pilot qualification at Napier Field, Alabama, on June 27, 1944.
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On February 16, 1945, he was incorporated into the 719th Squadron as part of the 449th Bombardment Group in the 15th Air Force at the Italian base in Grottaglie (Italy). He is assigned as co-pilot of a B-24 Liberator bomber in the crew of 2LT Myron Sullwold, taking part in strategic bombing missions from February to May 1945 over German and Austrian territory, being awarded the Air Medal in March of that year.
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Once the war was over, he returned to the University of Florida where he became a football player for the Florida Gators from 1947 to 1949, obtained his degree in physical education and later became the head coach of the Tampa Spartans.
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In June 1948, he married Miss Gloria Joy Toribio and the couple had two children, Marcelino Huerta III and Susan Huerta Alfonso.
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Marcelino Huerta Jr, would die on October 9, 1985 due to a heart complication at the age of 62, being buried at the Centro Asturiano Memorial Park Cemetery in Tampa, Florida.
Marcelino “Chelo” Huerta Jr. Nace en Tampa (Florida) el 31 de octubre de 1923, siendo el primogénito del matrimonio formado por Marcelino Huerta (Villanueva de Pereda– Grado – Asturias – 03/04/1893) y Josefina Huerta (Tampa – Florida – 01/08/1906), siguiéndole su hermana Josephine (Tampa, 18/12/1924).
Marcelino cursa estudios en Hillsborough High School graduándose en 1940 y continuando en la Universidad de Florida donde fue miembro del equipo de futbol.
En febrero de 1943 ingresa en la AAF Pilot School Cochran Field, Macon, Georgia para obtener formación de piloto en dos fases y especializarse en el Easter Training Center en orientación y bombardeo. Obtiene su calificación como piloto de bombardero en Napier Field, Alabama, el 27 de junio de 1944.
El 16 de febrero de 1945 es incorporado al 719th Escuadrón formando parte de 449th Grupo de Bombardeo en la 15th Fuerza aérea en la base italiana de Grottaglie. Es asignado como 2º teniente copiloto de un bombardero B-24 Liberator en la tripulación del 2LT Myron Sullwold.
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Toma parte en misiones de bombardeo estratégico desde febrero a mayo de 1945 sobre territorio alemán y austriaco, siendo condecorado con la Air Medal en marzo de ese año.
Una vez finalizada la guerra vuelve a la Universidad de Florida donde se hace jugador de futbol en el Florida Gators desde 1947 a 1949, obtiene su licenciatura en educación física y posteriormente se convertirá en el entrenador jefe del Tampa Spartans.
En junio de 1948 contrae matrimonio con Miss Gloria Joy Toribio y el matrimonio tiene dos hijos, Marcelino Huerta III y Susan Huerta Alfonso.
Marcelino Huerta Jr, fallecería el 9 de octubre de 1985 debido a una complicación cardiaca a la edad de 62 años, siendo enterrado en el Centro Asturiano Memorial Park Cemetery de Tampa, Florida.