In honor of Grandparents Day, I wanted the world to get to know my grandfather, Laurence R. Castro.
My grandfather passed away 4 years ago today and his story is one out of a book. He was a Prisoner of War (POW), a survivor of the Bataan Death March & World War II (WWII), and it was because of him that my family is now here thriving in the USA, able to give a better life to our own kids and generations to come.
Never underestimate the power of a CASTRO.
That pretty much became our slogan in the year leading up to his death. He loved to talk about his years in the war and it gave you a sense of appreciation and pride of living in this country.
Here is a video my sister, Joy, in memory of him. Throughout the video, you will hear her referring to Laurence as “Papa” because that’s what we called him. You will learn about his journey through World War II and the battles he faced, including becoming a POW in the Bataan Death March.
My grandfather was later awarded his US Citizenship by the US Government, which allowed our family to migrate here to the United States. His story brings me so much joy and makes me proud to be a Filipino-American, and a Castro.
List of Awards & Honors he received:
- World War II Victory Medal
- Prisoner of War Medal
- America Defense Service Medal with a Bronze Star
- Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal with a Bronze Star
- Distinguished Unit Citation
- The Philippine Defense Medal with Star
- Philippine Liberation Medal with Star
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