Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 17, 2015
Preamble
Motion by:
Directors Kuehl and Butts
September 17, 2015
Expo Line Station Dedication for Private Joe Gandara
The City of Santa Monica has requested that the Metro Board consider dedicating the 26th Street/Bergamot Expo Station in memory of Private Joe Gandara, a Santa Monica native who grew up in the Pico neighborhood. Private Gandara perished in combat during World War II.
Private Joe Gandara enlisted in the US Army in 1942 and was deployed to Europe. On June 9, 1944 his detachment came under devastating enemy fire and was pinned to the ground for four hours. Private Gandara voluntarily advanced alone toward the enemy position, destroying three hostile machine-guns before he was fatally wounded.
Due to his Hispanic heritage, Private Gandara was passed over for medals, awards, and recognition during World War II. Finally, in 2014 President Obama recognized Private Gandara’s heroism, valor, and sacrifice in defense of freedom at Amfreville, France by posthumously awarding him the Medal of Honor.
Title
MOTION by Kuehl and Butts that the Metro Board of Directors instruct the CEO to prepare a plan to dedicate the 26th Street/Bergamot Station along the Expo line in memory of Private Joe Gandara. The dedication should coincide with the opening of the Expo line to Santa Monica and include a plaque to be placed at the station recognizing Private Gandara’s heroism and sacrifice for our country.