World War II veteran from New Mexico reflects on his service as he nears 101st birthday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A World War II veteran born and raised in New Mexico shared his story of joining the army during one of America’s deadliest conflicts. The history he lived through is still at the forefront of his mind and he says he has no regrets.

“We saw a sign that said ‘Uncle Sam Wants You’,” said WWII veteran, Vincent Cordova.

That was nearly 85 years ago for Cordova. At just 16 years old he got his dad to sign off on an enlistment form to join the army. “So he signed it and I went back to the recruiter and he put us on a train,” said Cordova.

Cordova describes a time in his life he has yet to forget as he reaches his 101st birthday. “There’s a sergeant down there that says you guys are volunteers you can go any place you want,” said Cordova.

So, in September of 1940, Cordova chose to join the Calvary. “I love horses so that was probably my {favorite}. I was a cowboy,” said Cordova.

As history goes, the very next year the United States joined World War II after Pearl Harbor. “We need men we don’t need horses. Well I’ll get rid of the horses so we got rid of the horses and they made us infantrymen,” said Cordova.

Cordova traveled around the world ready to risk it all.”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,” said Cordova.

In the end, he knew not everyone got so lucky. “I realized life is just a breath away,” said Cordova. “I can’t help but think of the guys that I buried.”

Cordova earned multiple accolades during his service; including two Purple Hearts before eventually making his way back home. “There’s no place in the world like New Mexico,” said Cordova.

Despite his age, he says he’d do it all again. “If Uncle Sam wanted me to go back again, I’d go back,” said Cordova.

Cordova later went on to serve in the Air Force during the Cold War. Serving a total of 20 years.

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