MSG. Alfredo Quijano Sr. U.S. Army, Retired

Born on January 8, 1916 in Zamboanga City, Philippines . His father, SGT Alphonso Quijano, was in the southern Philippines with the Philippine Scouts due to the Moro uprisings.

MSG Quijano served 34 years in the US Army retiring as First Sgt of the 250th General Hospital, 37th Medical Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. MSG Quijano enlisted in the US Army in 1933 in the Philippines and was assigned to the 57th Infantry Division, Company E, (Philippine Scouts). He distinguished himself in the Battle of ABUCAY (Mabatang), suffering battle wounds and earning a Silver Star as well the Purple Heart medals for his heroic actions and subsequent wounds in the line of duty. He was among the 75,000 US and Filipino soldiers that were captured and forced into one of the greatest tragedies of modern warfare, The Bataan Death March. Following WWII, MSG Quijano was transferred to Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas in 1949 where he retired in 1967. After active duty, he served as the VA Counselor for St Philip’s College where he also retired. Among his medals and decorations , MSG Quijano holds the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal , Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal with six clasps, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal –WWII, Philippine Defense Medal- WWII, Philippine Liberation Medal –WWII , Prisoner of War Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge.

He was very active in the San Antonio Filipino Community and was a founding member of the Filipino Americans in San Antonio Association (FAISA) and elected their first President in the late 60’s.

Proceeded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Christina Roa Quijano in 1995. Survivors include daughter Lorna R Shabo, son in law Gary Shabo of Houston, Texas, sons and daughter in laws, Reynaldo R and Norma V Quijano of Galveston, Texas , Wilfred R Quijano of Houston, Texas, Alfred Jr. and Cathy Quijano of San Antonio, Texas, Michael R and Rochelle Quijano of San Antonio, Texas, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

MSG Alfred Quijano was a loving father and husband. He instilled integrity, patriotism and honesty to his family, his compatriots and friends.

He was a true soldier and warrior. As to words of General Douglas MacArthur “ Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away”, MSG Quijano will ever be remembered in the hearts and minds of whoever he met. Visitation will be Thursday, January 6, 2011 from 6:00 until 9:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 7, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.