Visalia’s First Fallen Hero

Pfc. David E. Garcia is believed to be the first known Visalian soldier to have lost his life in the battle of Leyte Island during the Invasion of the Philippines on October 20, 1944. Pfc. Garcia attended Visalia Union High School before he entered the military service. According to his niece, Teresa DeLeon, the news of his passing was kept from his mother who was ill and laid to rest shortly after on December 12, 1944.

PFC. David E. Garcia 1922-1944

A letter from Pfc. Garcia written to his sister in 1943.

Newspaper clipping from the Visalia Times Delta.