LOCAL 1010

3703 Euclid Avenue
East Chicago, Indiana 46312
(219) 398-3100
Fax (219) 398-2494

At the September Union meeting, Local 1010 had a rededication ceremony to honor a Vietnam War Hero.

Lance Corporal Emilio A. De La Garza Jr., a 1010 member,
was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions while serving in Vietnam in 1970. De La Garza Jr. sacrificed his own life for the lives of two comrades. His actions were within the highest traditions of the United Steelworkers and the United States Marine Corps.

An Honor Guard from American Legion Post 508 in East Chicago and other Veterans groups presented their colors and were on hand to show their support for their fallen Brother.

De La Garza Jr’s cousin, Marthala Taylor, unveiled the newly assembled awards display case honoring De La Garza Jr. and a procession of Veterans and Union members passed by to pay their respects.

Originally, our Union Hall had a plaque honoring De La Garza Jr., but it didn’t state specifically what De La Garza Jr. did to earn the Medal of Honor. Jim Harris, Assistant Griever at #2BOF/CC, offered to design and assemble a new awards display case featuring the Medal of Honor Citation and De La Garza Jr’s ribbons and badges. Harris is a former US Marine who also served during the Vietnam War.

When you meet a Veteran, thank him or her.

Note: Jim Harris is a Military Awards researcher who has helped many people obtain their Military Medals and Awards that they or their relatives earned while serving our country. The medals and awards are available at no charge through the government. If you would like Harris to help you get yours or your relatives’ medals, contact him at work at 399-6139 or on his cell phone at 765-4813. He provides this service for free.