Sánchez, Napolitano introduce resolution honoring Vietnam War Navy journalist Raul Guerra

Statement

Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38) and Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) today released a resolution honoring the life and service of Petty Officer Raul Guerra, a U.S. Navy journalist and native of Montebello, California.

In 1967, Petty Officer Guerra died when his plane crashed during a combat mission in Vietnam. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency positively identified Guerra's remains and returned them to California, where his loved ones finally laid him to rest.

"Petty Officer Raul Guerra was a hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He gave his life in service to the United States and to protecting the lives and the freedoms our families enjoy every day," said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. "It was my honor to work with former U.S. Marine Ruben Valencia and the rest of the Bring Raul Home Committee to identify Petty Officer Guerra's remains and return him to his family. His service, patriotism, and memory deserve to live on, which is why I'm proud to reintroduce this resolution with Congresswoman Napolitano."

"Petty Officer Raul Guerra was thought to be missing forever, but because of the perseverance of his former classmates, friends, and loved ones, his body was recovered and finally returned home this year, 52 years after he was pronounced killed in action," said Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. "Just as Petty Officer Guerra answered the call of duty, enlisting in the Navy Reserves and deploying to Vietnam, the Bring Raul Home Committee members remained unwavering in their mission. We commend all of the members of the Committee--Ruben Valencia, Donna Peterson, Gary Peterson, Ray Penalber, Carmele Hobley, Gena Valencia, Emily Valencia, and Amanda Santos--who went to great lengths on behalf of Petty Officer Guerra. Their patriotism reminds us we must never forget our brave men and women in uniform, nor their service and sacrifices to our nation. I am proud to join Congresswoman Sánchez in reintroducing this resolution to pay tribute to the courage and character of Petty Officer Raul Guerra and to recognize the dedication of those who worked tirelessly to bring his remains home to California."

Petty Officer Guerra graduated from Montebello High School in in Montebello, CA in 1963 and attended East Los Angeles College. He enlisted in the Navy Reserves in July of 1965 and was deployed as a Navy Journalist. On October 8, 1967, Petty Officer Guerra volunteered to join a combat mission to support a major air strike over northern Vietnam. That evening, he was killed in the line of duty.

Congresswomen Sánchez and Napolitano first introduced the resolution in 2019 shortly after the remains of Petty Officer Raul Guerra were identified.

The resolution was also cosponsored by Representatives Norma Torres (D-CA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Lucille Royball-Allard (D-CA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), and Mike Thompson (D-CA).

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