TAPS - Sam Antonio, A Co. 200th CA

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RIP, sir.

Sam Antonio 1920-2012: WORLD WAR II VETERAN, PRISONER OF WAR [/u][/url][/size]

(Cibola Beacon, 07/13/12)

San Juan “Sam” Antonio, an Acoma Pueblo member, was extremely patriotic and loyal to his country.

He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. Antonio was called to duty in 1940 and attained a Bronze Star and numerous campaign medals. He was a very well respected community member.

Sam Antonio was not only a witness to history, but knew the stark reality of the perils of war. He was a survivor of the Bataan Death March and was a prisoner of war (POW) for three years in Mutan, Manchuria. He knew the sacrifices and understood the true meaning that freedom isn’t free and it comes with a cost.

On July 11, the Pueblo of Acoma and his hometown of Grants, lost a veteran who carried a remarkable story and graciously opened his home to anyone who was interested in hearing a vivid recollection of America’s military past. He spoke openly and frankly about his experiences. Sam can best be remembered by his sense of humor and bursts of laughter as he described his experience as a POW.

Antonio will be laid to rest at the Grants Memorial Park with full military honors. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who, like so many members of “The Greatest Generation,” proudly served his country, endured the unimaginable atrocities as a prisoner of war, and then spoke about his experience unassumingly.

Sam Antonio was truly one of the heroes in our midst.

Thank you for your service, Sam Antonio, and for your contribution to this country. And, perhaps in tribute, if you see a veteran whom you know, be sure to thank them for their service--- I know that that would make Sam happy.

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NM Bataan Death March survivor dies at 92 [/u][/url][/size]

(KOR 4, 07/12/12)

The last Bataan Death March survivor from the Acoma Pubelo has died.

Sam Antonio, or so-called "Grandpa," died early Thursday morning in his home in Grants. He was 92 years old.

Kristina Jaramillo described her grandfather as a "fighter" and a "very strong man" having faced death several times during his life.

She said he enlisted in the army when recruiters visited his high school.

"He volunteered to go," Jaramillo said. "he did his civil duty."

But while enlisted he became a prisoner of war.

According to the Bataan Memorial Death March website, on April 9, 1942 thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces. They were marched for days without food or water - thousands died.

Jaramillo said her Antonio tried escaping, and nearly died in the process.

She said her grandfather was loved by the community and he will be missed.

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Bataan Death March survivor Sam Antonio, 92, buried in Grants [/u][/url][/size]

(KOB 4, 07/14/12)

Sam Antonio was laid to rest Saturday by family and friends in Grants, N.M.

He was 92-years-old and one of the few survivors of the Bataan Death March during World War II.

Antonio's friends said he had things like strength and endurance.

They also said Antonio did not keep all of his demons inside, but instead influenced hundreds of people throughout his life in the Acoma Pueblo and beyond.

"He came back a stronger person," said Doc Dwarf, an American Legion rider. "If you live through something like that, it makes you stronger. It can make you mean and non-caring, but those people came back with a good attitude."

Unlike many veterans of wars, Antonio talked about his experiences on the death march.

Antonio damaged his hands for the rest of his life because of an escape attempt from the Bataan Prison Camp.

According to friend Marshall Fletcher, Antonio and a friend put a board over the electric fence surrounding the camp.

But Antonio slipped on the board and his hands hit the fence, the shock damaged his hands forever.

On the march, he would plant bean seeds under the watchful eye of a Japanese guard.

"Everytime the guard wasn't looking, he'd (Sam) put a handful of bean seed in his mouth and eat," Marshall Fletcher, a long-time friend, said.

Antonio's daughter, Tina Valdez, said it's important for New Mexico to recognize the treasure it has of Bataan survivors before they are all gone.

She said there is one survivor remaining in the Grants area, and he was one of Antonio's closest friends.

"We have to push our history," Valdez said. "Our New Mexico history, our heritage so that we can remember these guys."

She said one of her father's later wishes was to go to Japan and meet one of the soldiers who use to be his enemy.

"We go home now and the house is empty," Valdez said, holding back tears. "When he was alive, the house was full of laughter, full of love. Hopefully we can carry on that spirit."