S1c Vladimir M. Romero

Vladimir Mendoza Romero was born Aug. 25, 1921 in Florida, probably in Tampa, the fourth of at least five children.

His mother, Francisca Mendoza Perales de Romero from Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, and father, Rafael Feliciano Romero Palacios from San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla, immigrated to Texas and then moved to Florida.

The 1930 Census said the household, which then included four children and Mrs. Romero’s mother, lived in Tampa. The father was a shoemaker and Mrs. Romero was a roller at a cigar factory. The eldest daughter, then 19, was a salesgirl at a five-and-dime store.

By April 1935 Mrs. Romero, four children, a grandson, and her mother lived in New York City on Madison Avenue near East 107th Street. In early 1940 son Vladimir had completed 8th grade but was no longer enrolled. He enlisted in the Navy that October.

Mr. Romero was a seaman first class on the U.S.S. Arizona when he was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.

Sources: The Journal News of White Plains, New York; Census; Navy muster roll; World War II military registration card.