Curator's note: This video by Rich Samuels originally aired on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" program on September 19 2007 as part of the "Chicago Stories" series. It documents the story of Manuel Perez, a Chicago soldier who lost his life during World War II in the Battle of Luzon and who subsequently was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. Chicago's Manuel Perez elementary school is names in his honor. Appearing in this piece are Steve Torres, Max Polick and Steve Hegedus, all of whom served in Perez's unit and witnessed his heroic deeds, and Dionne Perez Miller, a Chicago relative. |