Photographed in Jacksonville, Florida, 2019

In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones–Shafroth Act, granting U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans. Just two months later, Congress passed the Selective Service Act, drafting millions of Americans into military service—including the newly naturalized citizens in Puerto Rico. Since then, Puerto Ricans have served in the U.S. armed forces in disproportionate numbers relative to their population, with more than 65,000 serving in World War II alone.

Modesto Martínez Albelo was born on February 12, 1923, in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18, eventually attaining the rank of Command Sergeant Major—the highest rank an enlisted soldier can achieve.

During his service in both World War II and the Korean War, Albelo earned a reputation for fierce loyalty and unwavering integrity. That reputation was exemplified when he risked his career—and his life—by exposing a plot to defraud the Army.

After retiring from the Army, he continued his service as a civilian employee until his final retirement in 1983. He moved to Florida in 2007 to be closer to family. Albelo is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gloria Acosta, as well as his daughters, son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.