Salinas, Daniel, 1921-1999

Daniel Salinas was one of the first Mexican-Americans to enlist in the Army Air Force in 1942, at the age of 21. After completion of his military training he was sent to Italy where he flew 76 missions during World War II. Upon returning to the United States he married Ana Maria Salinas and moved to San Antonio, Texas; they lived there for a short time before returning to Laredo, Texas. After moving back to Laredo, Daniel Salinas worked for his uncle at Salinas Department Store. He eventually went on to open his own store, Salinas Variety Store. He also worked as an accountant for three firms in Laredo.

From the description of Daniel Salinas papers, 1937-1999 (bulk 1943-1945). (University of Texas at San Antonio). WorldCat record id: 241519376

Daniel Salinas, III was born on May 11, 1921 in Laredo, Texas and died on March 3, 1999 in Laredo. He graduated from Laredo High School in 1940. Salinas had three sisters, Amelia, Berta, and Diana; and two brothers, Rogelio and Cesar.

Daniel Salinas was one of the first Mexican-American pilots in World War II and served from 1942-1945, enlisting in the Army Air Force (AAF) at the age of 21. He began his three phase training program with phase one at San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center (SAACC) in San Antonio, TX. He went on to phase two of the program at Coffeyville Army Airfield in Coffeyville, Kansas where he completed nine weeks of basic pilot training. He then was sent to Aloe Army Air Field at Victoria, Texas to complete his training with advanced single-engine training for fighter pilots. He earned his silver wings on May 23, 1944 and in November of that year he was sent to Italy with his unit, the 22nd Tactical Air Command of the 12th, AAF. Salinas, who had his own plane “Taani,” flew 76 missions and 500 combat hours while stationed in Italy.

After returning, Daniel Salinas married Ana Maria Salinas. They lived in San Antonio between 1945 and 1951. While living in San Antonio he worked as a crop duster, flying out of Randolph, and at Curtis Candy Company. In 1951 Daniel and his wife returned to Laredo where he worked for his uncle at Salinas Department Store before opening his own store, Salinas Variety Store. He also worked as an accountant for three different accounting firms: Laredo Machine and Supply, Poncho Mims, and Mares. He and Ana had six children: Ana Patricia, Norma Gerardina, Leticia Irma, Daniel IV, Guillermo, and Javier.

Press Release, submitted to La Prensa by Salinas and Gutierrez families. [In collection control folder.]

From the guide to the Daniel Salinas Papers MS 274., 1937-1999, 1943-1945, (University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries Special Collections)