Mr. Raul Diaz Peña, of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 26, 2015. He was 89 years old. Raul was born on May 14, 1926, in Fierro, NM to Luis and Virginia Peña.

He and his family would later move to North Hurley, NM. It was here that his father would own and operate the Peña Store. Life in North Hurley was filled with life lessons, the importance of family, and the true meaning of hard work. He was one of nine children. The faithfulness and dedication and intelligence of his parents nurtured the entire family, leading and guiding their children to success: personally, professionally and in the service of their country.

At age 17, Raul was drafted by the U.S. Army. He was sent to Fort Bliss to begin his training as an infantryman. His mother, Virginia, traveled to Fort Bliss, imploring the general, at the time, to release her son, as he was the fourth Peña to be drafted. His brothers Luis, Antonio and Rodolfo were already serving. Raul was called into the general's office and was given the choice, to return to North Hurley, or serve in the Army. In a heartbeat, he chose to remain part of the Army and World War II efforts.

He then went on to Fort Hood and Fort Ord where basic training was completed. When he arrived at Camp Knight, he boarded a ship overseas. Hollandia, New Guinea was the next stop, then on to Leyte, Philippines, and finally to Luzon.

It was at this point all his training, his strength, and his strong upbringing would be tested. He was part of the 1st battalion, 127th Infantry of the 32nd "Red Arrow" Division. The order was to send the soldiers up to the hills, via the Villa Verde Trail, a 20-mile hike. Their objective was to capture General Tomoyuki Yamashita. He (Yamashita) and his men had been holed up in the hills. Raul and the battalion took Yamashita Ridge after 20 days of intense combat on August 15, 1945. Yamashita remarked that, neither he nor his men had ever fought against such a strong group of soldiers.

In the days that followed, he found himself on an airfield. A loud speaker began to call out names of soldiers; his was the fifth. The 15 to 20 soldiers were taken to yet another airfield where they got a shower, "the first in 30 days." He had dinner and boarded a C-47 airplane. He and the other soldiers were the only Army troops, the rest were Marines. Raul recalled looking down at the ocean and, "seeing it full of ships, headed to Japan."

He then landed on Iwo Jima. A B-25 bomber unloaded the bombs and the next day the soldiers were loaded on that very plane. After several hours, he arrived at Kyushu Island, Japan. As Raul and he other troops began patrolling, they came into contact with Japanese farmers. The farmers were able to communicate and alert the soldiers of Australian and American prisoners.

Again, Raul would be a part of a major task during wartime, the recovery of prisoners. Nagoya Bay was the next assignment, but fortunately the Seabees were already on clean up. Raul would stay at Fukuoka, Japan transferring from the 32nd Division to the 24th. This change in division fulfilled his time as an infantryman for U.S. Army. He spent 4 months here and then took a 30-day furlough.

He described Japan as "beautiful" and would speak with fondness of the Evergreen Hotel and time spent there with other soldiers. On his journey back home he passed through areas where the atomic bombs had landed; "everything was empty." He landed at Camp Beale, CA and was formally and honorably discharged.

In Los Angeles, he boarded a bus back to Lordsburg and then home, North Hurley. Raul received several military citations including the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Camp Medal and Bronze Star Attachment, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and Japan Clasp, Combat Infantry Man Badge 1st Award, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Bronze Star with Attachment (single), and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.

Soon thereafter, he was employed by Kennecott/Chino Mines Company. He began as a laborer and within 5 years he would have a hand in the early construction of the tailings. Raul's strong work ethic and leadership abilities, led to a promotion as Leadman at the Dam for the remainder of his career, which would span 32 years.

He would go on to meet a young woman by the name of Genevieve Jaramillo. The couple would marry and build and sustain a commitment of over 63 years. Together they built a beautiful family, beginning with Virginia and Raul. Virginia would marry Art Cruz and complete a family of three: Monica (Chris), Artie and Luis. In turn, 6 great-grandchildren would join the family: Sebastian, Salvador, Marcelina, Carolina, Violet and Justyn. Raul (Anna) would have a total of 6 children: Vanessa, Raul III, Vincente, Veronica, Alicia and Genevieve. They too, would add 10 great-grandchildren: Ramon, Brandon, Joshua, Maricella, Cassie Isaac, JoJo, Juanito, Adrianna and Jasmine. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers, son, grandsons and nephews at Sheridan Corrals. It goes without saying that many good times were had there and many miles walked.

Raul is survived by his wife, Genevieve Peña, brothers Luis, Miguel and Walo (Della), sisters Teresa and Rosa Peña. Sisters-in-law Chelo (Jose), Polly (Ramon) and Angelina, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Alma Dimm; two brothers, Rodolfo and Antonio. His service in WWII, his dedication to family and his career at Chino Mines are testament to his courage, integrity, intelligence and selflessness. He has left in his parent's name and for his siblings, wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren a strong and beautiful legacy. He will be missed more than words and beyond measure.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 30 from 9-9:30am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to begin at 9:30am with Deacon Bill Holguin reciting. The funeral liturgy will follow at 11am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Rod Nichols officiating.

Concluding services interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Pallbearers include Luis Cruz, Vicente Peña, Artie Cruz, Sebastian Cruz, Salvador Cruz, Chris Arvidson, Ruben Peña, Rudy Peña, Raul Peña and Ramon Vigil. Honorary pallbearers are Luis Peña, Miguel Peña, Eduardo Peña, Ramon Marquez, Jose Jaurequi, George Alcaraz, John Gutierrez, Jimmy Palacios and Genaro Pedraza.