Hector Godinez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hector Godinez
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Hector Godinez
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| Born |
Hector García Godinez
July 1, 1924 San Diego, California, U.S.
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| Died | May 16, 1999 (aged 74) |
| Resting place | Santa Ana Cemetery, Santa Ana, California, U.S |
| Nationality | Mexican–American |
| Occupation | Postmaster |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary Godinez
(m. 1946) |
| Children | 4 children |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
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Hector G. Godinez (born July 1, 1924 – died May 16, 1999) was an important leader for civil rights. He was the first Mexican-American postmaster in the United States. A postmaster is the person in charge of a post office.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy chose him to be the postmaster of Santa Ana. Later, he was promoted to manage the U.S. Postal Service for Southern California. He was in charge of many employees and a large budget.
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Early Life and Military Service
Hector Godinez was born in San Diego, California, in 1924. His parents were field workers. In 1925, his family moved to Santa Ana, where he lived for the rest of his life.
During World War II, Godinez served in the United States Army. He was a Tank Commander under General George Patton. He fought bravely in the Battle of the Bulge.
After being wounded, Godinez was honorably discharged in 1945. He returned home as a hero. He received five battle stars, a Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star.
Career at the Post Office
In 1946, Hector Godinez began working for the U.S. Postal Service. He started as a letter carrier. This means he delivered mail to homes and businesses.
He worked hard and moved up through different jobs. Eventually, he reached a top leadership position. His career with the Postal Service lasted for 48 years.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Mr. Godinez was a founder of the League of United Latin American Citizens. This group works to improve life for Americans of Mexican descent. He played a key role in ending unfair treatment in schools.
Godinez and other activists helped with a big lawsuit called Mendez v. Westminster. This case challenged the school system in Orange County. It aimed to stop schools from being separated by race.
Because of this lawsuit, California ended school segregation. This happened six years before the rest of the United States. The Mendez v. Westminster case also helped set the stage for the famous Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit.
Honors and Recognition
Many places and awards honor Hector Godinez. Godinez Fundamental High School in Santa Ana, California, is named after him. This public high school opened in 2007.
He received the Human Rights Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He also got the Community Service Award for the Western Region. He was one of the first people to receive the Postmaster General’s Award for Executive Achievement.
In 2002, a U.S. Post Office building was named after him. It is located in Santa Ana, California.
Personal Interests
Hector Godinez was known for his collection of 50 pairs of cowboy boots. He also loved Stetson hats. He enjoyed reading a lot, especially books about World War II.
Godinez passed away in 1999 after a long illness.
