American Legion honors World War II Army Airman killed over Germany

The American Legion Owen Coffman Post in Palm Springs honored a long time valley resident and member of the “Greatest Generation.”

Sergeant Roaul Prieto lost his life during a bombing mission in Germany during World War II.

“He gave all his tomorrows for us,” said his nephew Eugene Prieto. The American Legion dedicated its club room to Prieto.

“It’s wonderful, it’s been my dream that something like this would finally happen,” said Eugene.

Sergeant Prieto served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He was a flight engineer and an aerial gunner. He lost his life on April 6, 1945 when the B-17 he was on collided with another above Germany.

Nearly 70 years later, members of the legion say the honor is long overdue. “He was an American Indian and half Mexican, it’s due,” said Albert Martinez, a member of the Legion. “It’s his time.”

“It means, a lot, he gave his all for this country, you know,” said Commander Charles McGee. “I don’t know what else you can say about that.”

Prieto’s family has always called Palm Springs home. His parents moved to the valley in the 1920s. “All my uncles and aunts grew up here,” said Eugene. “We’re related to the Agua Calientes the Prietos, been here a long time.”

But Eugene says, the stars and stripes mean even more than the valley ties. He and several other members of the Prieto family followed Roaul’s example and served in the armed forces.

“We’re Americans,” said Eugene. “We’re here for the country. You either vote or you serve, when called upon to serve.”