Local WWII veteran's tragedy has bright ending

By Chad Ruiz
St. Tammany News
Published on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 9:33 AM CDT

 

What took an act of God to destroy took an act of Congress to replace.

Peter Gomez was a mere 20 years old when he was wounded in France during World War II in 1944.

“I was carrying my lieutenant when a tank at point-blank rage fired on us,” he said.
 
Shrapnel from the blast ripped open Gomez’ shoulder.

After returning to the States, Gomez was awarded a slew of medals and honors for his bravery, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and several other badges and awards.

But 20 years later in 1965, while living in his Arabi home, Hurricane Betsy churned its way through St. Bernard Parish, causing more damage than any previous storm in history.

It was in the several feet of floodwaters inundating most of St. Bernard and New Orleans where the medals Gomez nearly lost his life earning were destroyed.

His quest immediately began to recover the lost medals.

He contacted the country’s capital, veteran groups and local politicians, but it kept leading him in circles.

Aside from the feelings of accomplishment and honor Gomez experienced from the awards, his real desire was to pass the medals, particularly the Purple Heart, to his son.

Five years of searching turned into 10 years. Ten years turned into 20, and 20 turned into 40, but the resilience and patience of the WWII veteran and 35-year employee of Michoud refused to give up.

Then, after relocating to St. Tammany, an official from Washington suggested he contact his congressman.

Once U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise took over the seat vacated by Gov. Bobby Jindal, Gomez got in touch with his office. Like the others, they promised to do all they could.

Hopeful Scalise could do what so many others failed to do, Gomez waited patiently again.

This time, three months later, the phone call of his life came notifying him they received his medals.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Gomez said. “They asked if I wanted them to mail them, but I said no, I’ll come get them.”

Even better, Scalise chose to present them to Gomez at the Academy Day held recently at the St. Tammany Parish Library’s Slidell branch, where local students attended to hear speakers from different military academies.

To a standing ovation from high-ranking military personnel, Scalise personally thanked Gomez for his service then presented each medal and award individually during the breaks in applause.

“It’s such a heartwarming story,” Scalise said after the event. “He called our office, we worked through the bureaucracy and did everything we could to get his medals back. He’s a real hero from World War II.”

Unfortunately, Gomez’ son passed away two years ago.

“I’m going to pass it down to his son, my grandson, instead,” the 84-year-old said with tears welling up in his eyes.

Copyright © 2008 St. Tammany News