January 17, 1914 --- Born in Llera, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

1918 --- Family immigrates to Mercedes in South Texas.

1922 --- The infamous Texas Rangers raid his family's home.

1924 --- Anglos set fire to his father's and uncle's store.

1936 --- Graduates from the University of Texas.

1940 --- Graduates from University of Texas Medical School.

1942 --- Joins the United States Army and serves duty in World War II.

1945 --- Marries Wanda Fusillo whom he met while serving in Italy.

1946 --- Dr. Garcia is awarded the Bronze Medal with six stars for his service in the battlefields of North Africa and Italy.

1946 --- Is discharged from the U.S. Army with a rank of Major.

1946 --- Sets up medical practice in Corpus Christi.

1948 --- Organizes the Amercian G.I. Forum for Mexican-American veterans.

1949 --- The "Felix Longoria Affair" propels the A.G.I.F. to national prominence.

1949 --- Dr. Garcia, his wife and daughters are denied service in a Three Rivers, Texas restaurant.

1950 --- Works to eliminate the exploitive "Bracero Program" and for Mexican-American labor reform.

1952 --- Works to eliminate "No Dogs or Mexicans Allowed" signs in Texas restaurants and to stop the practice of whipping Mexican school children for speaking Spanish.

1955 --- Works diligently for education reform for Mexican-Americans.

1960 --- Organizes the VIVA KENNEDY clubs throughout the nation.

1962 --- Appointed by President Kennedy to negotiate the Chamizal with the Mexican government and a defense treaty with the Fedrations of the West Indies.

1967 --- President Johnson appoints Dr. Garcia as an alternate Ambassador to the United Nations.

1968 --- President Johnson appoints Dr. Garcia to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

1984 --- President Reagan awards Dr. Garcia this nation's highest honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

1984 --- Pope John Paul II awards Dr. Garcia the Equestrian Order of Pope Gregory the Great.

July 26, 1996 --- Dr. Hector P. Garcia dies in Corpus Christi, Texas at age 82 and is eulogized at his funeral by President Bill Clinton.

POSTHUMOUS HONORS AND AWARDS

1996 --- The City of Corpus Christi names one of its plaza's after Hector P. Garcia.

1996 --- A statue of Hector P. Garcia is erected on the campus of Texas A&M University.

1998 --- The United States Congress declares the A.G.I.F. "congressionally chartered."

1998 --- The Mexican Government awards the "Aztec Eagle", its highest honor to Dr. Garcia.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

At the time of his death, Dr. Hector P. Garcia was survived by his wife, three daughters, two brothers and three sisters. A son, Hector Jr., died at the age of 13 years.