Roger B. Cruz

SGM Roger B. Cruz, USA Ret., passed away December 23, 2011 in El Paso, surrounded by his loved ones. Roger was born in San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines on March 5, 1919. As a young man Cruz became enlisted in Company G-45th within the highly decorated, Guerilla resistance forces of the Philippines-The Philippine Scouts, referred to in history as the “Battling Bastards of the Bataan”. The elite Philippine Scouts were the backbone of the U.S. Army’s defense forces in the Philippines from the turn of the century through WWII. Cruz became wounded and was taken prisoner of war, surviving the horrific “Death March of Bataan”. He remained a life member of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, Inc. and also obtained a Purple Heart during his POW status during the WWII conflict. After WWII when the Philippine Scouts were disbanded, Cruz chose to join the U.S. Army, and eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant Major. Later, SGM Cruz served in Vietnam with Headquarters, Military Assistance Command-Combines Intelligence Center, as Senior Intelligence Analyst during the Vietnam War and holds two Bronze Stars. SGM Cruz retired from the U.S. Army on 1968 and enjoyed life with his wife Dolores, close friends and family, and was famous for his delicious, organically cultivated vegetables grown in his home garden. Roger B. Cruz is survived by his wife, 4 sons, 4 daughters-in-law, 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters. A celebration of Roger’s life will take place with family and friends from 5-9pm with a Vigil/Rosary to begin at 7pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Funeral Mass will begin at 12:30m, Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.