; born in Chihuahua, Mexico, Private Serna is part of a legacy of immigrant soldiers fighting for the United States, eager to pursue the American Dream; in 1917, without hesitation, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces against Germany at the age of 20. (4) Private Serna was placed in the 355th Infantry of the 89th Division, and upon his arrival in France, when it was discovered that he was not a U.S. citizen, he was given the option to return home, however, Private Serna made the valiant decision to serve the United States, his adoptive home. (5) In recognition of his courageous actions, Private Serna became the most decorated World War I veteran in Texas, with awards from the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, which include: the World War I Victory Medal, two Purple Hearts, the French Medaille Militaire, two French Croix de Guerre, a French Medaille commemorative, the British War Medal, the Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra, the French Verdun, and the St. Mihiel Medals, as well as being posthumously awarded Texas’ Lone Star Medal of Valor in 2016. (6) The aforementioned awards recognize Private Serna’s demonstrated bravery and remarkable service to his country in World War I, during which time, as detailed in the military’s official citation for his receipt of the Distinguished Service Cross and in the Texas Handbook Online, Private Serna singlehandedly fought, killed, and captured enemy fighters in the French theater. (7) White contemporaries of Private Serna who engaged in similar courageous acts during World War I have been rightfully recognized for their valor with the Medal of Honor