91-Year-Old Coltonite Honored for Service

91-year-old Coltonite Albert Gonzales was honored with a military banner installation ceremony this year, in which over 30 of his friends, family and loved ones gathered to celebrate by his side. Although born next door in Riverside, Gonzales was raised in Colton his entire life. According to Gonzales’s grandson Frank, he is rooted in Colton as he is Comanche Native American. “Our family goes far back into Colton’s history,” Frank shared. At age 18, Gonzales was a senior at Colton High School; however, before he was able to graduate, he was drafted into the US Army in 1943. Gonzales served for four years in the military, during which he was a part of four major battles, including the Battle of Normandy. Frank shared proudly that Gonzales is an Omaha Beach survivor, 29th recon. Gonzales served in combat as a 50 Caliber Machine Gunner on a tank. Gonzales shared that without the Canadians taking out the Cement Boxes with gunners inside of them, they wouldn't have been able to surpass the mission. The Omaha Scene in the 1998 war drama "Saving Private Ryan" is depicted very accurately, according to Gonzales. “ I lived the war just like the movie,” he said. Before he was drafted in the Army, Gonzales married his high school sweetheart Anita Gonzales, and they are still going strong. “This is the happiest marriage of my life,” he said while explaining their 71 years of being together. Although a large portion of family and friends were able to attend the installation ceremony of Gonzales’s banner, his grandson Frank was unable to attend since he lives in Sonoma County. After explaining the strong relationship between his family and Colton, Frank mentioned while chuckling, “I’m the only one who doesn’t live in Colton.” Although some were unable to attend, Gonzales was filled with pride as his military banner was installed. He added regarding his service, “I was making it safe for my country.”