Miguel de la Peña
US Army Special Forces officer (1919-2012)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lieutenant Colonel Miguel de la Peña (February 17, 1919 in San Antonio – September 16, 2012 in San Antonio) was a United States Army officer and one of the first American officers of Hispanic origin in the United States Special Forces.[1]
United States
United States ArmyMiguel de la Peña | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 17, 1919 San Antonio, Texas, United States |
| Died | September 16, 2012 (aged 93) San Antonio, Texas, United States |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Service years | 1941–1967 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | United States Special Forces |
| Conflicts | |
De la Peña joined the Army during World War II and fought from Normandy through to Czechoslovakia. He also fought in both the Korean War and Vietnam War.[1]
In 1965 he served as commander of U.S. Special Forces in III Corps, South Vietnam. He was asked to form a battalion designed for special missions. Designated a Mobile Strike, or MIKE Force in his honor, the battalion contained three rifle companies and a heavy weapons company, all led by a U.S. Special Forces A Team.[2]
He retired from the Army in 1967.[1]
