Life-Long Coltonite Honored with Military Banner

Life-long Coltonite Richard Y. Castorena was honored for his devoted service to our country with a military banner installation ceremony hosted by his family, friends, and his hometown of Colton. According to his daughter Connie Avila, Castorena, better known among family and friends as “Ricky”, joined the Army at the young age of 17. “He lied about his age,” she explained. “He wanted to join but he wasn’t 18 yet.” He served for nearly two years, Dec. 1, 1943 to Nov. 20, 1945. Castorena was a member of Company E, 130th Infantry, 33rd Division. He had a variety of duties during his service including multiple risky duties; he had multiple titles as he was a scoutsman and a rifleman. Castorena was skilled in patrolling, and determining the location of the enemy. “He would go out before the troops,” Avila explained. “It was a really dangerous job.” Although Castorena passed away in 2005, before his passing Castorena often shared stories of his various experiences in the military with his family. “He said it was definitely an experience since he had to go out before the troops,” said Avila. “He got hurt once, too.” Castorena was a noble man and his acts during his service only enhanced this trait. Avila shared that he carried a wounded soldier to protection; he earned a purple heart. That was just one accolade he earned during his service. He also earned two bronze medals, a victory medal, and more. Throughout his time served, he traveled to various places including the Netherlands, Philippine Islands, New Guinea, and more. Castorena was born and raised in Colton, right on O Street, she said. “He was here his whole life; the family is very well-known around here." He attended Colton High School but was unable to graduate due to his honorable decision to join the military. Throughout his childhood, Castorena enjoyed playing the harmonica and dancing. “My father was a great dancer,” said Avila; specifically with the “zoot suit” scene. “It was one of his favorite things to do,” she added. Unfortunately most of his family members were unable to attend Castorena's military banner installation ceremony due to illnesses. However, Avila shared that many of his friends showed up to support him. “We all got a chance to share a few words about him,” she added. “It was a very nice day.”