Longoria, Felix Z., Jr., 1920-1945

Private Felix Z. Longoria (Apr. 16, 1920, Three Rivers, Texas-d. June 16, 1945, Luzon, Philippines), was a Mexican-American, U.S. Army soldier, who was killed in battle in Luzon, Philippines, on June 16, 1945. He was denied a viewing at a funeral home in his hometown of Three Rivers, Texas, because he was Mexican. The controversy became known as the Felix Longoria Affair. Then U.S. Senator Lyndon B. Johnson learned of the controversy and intervened, arranging for Longoria to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

From the description of Longoria, Felix Z., Jr., 1920-1945 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10601977