Virgil Aimes

“The zeros were coming in so close, you could see the pilot’s faces looking down. All I can remember feeling was rage at what they were doing. When a plane got close, I would empty my .30-06, reload and wait for another... Lt. Kemp was right behind me, and he kept asking, ‘Do you think you hit him?’ All I could say was, ‘I don't know.’”

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Jack Aldrich

Photo by Dr. Don Salisbury

“The atmosphere has changed for us, you know. We came home, we had been surrendered. It was the largest group of U.S. soldiers in history to be surrendered — now we emphasize we didn’t surrender, we were surrendered . . . but that was a terrible cross to bear, and it wasn't until years later that we began to open up.”

— April 3, 2004

Vetalis Anderson, MD

1908 - 1967

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Esperidion Archibeque

1921 - 2010

Three Albuquerque Heroes

Manuel A. Armijo

October 16, 1945

On April 9, 2004, Manuel Armijo officiated over Santa Fe's Bataan Memorial Ceremony for the last time. Citing health and age, he felt it was time for the “younger” generation to take over. He passed away two months later.

“His heroism and courage will set an example for New Mexicans for generations to come.”

— Governor Bill Richardson