MAJOR GENERAL LUIS RAUL ESTEVES: WEST POINT GRADUATE
Major General Luis Raul Esteves (April 30, 1893 – March 12, 1958) was the first Puerto Rican and the first American citizen of Hispanic heritage to graduate from the United States Military Academy (West Point), and the founder of the Puerto Rico National Guard.
Esteves was the first to achieve the rank of general out of his graduating class, a prestigious class that included Dwight Eisenhower and Omar Bradley. During his time at West Point, he even tutored the 34th President in Spanish, as second language was a graduate requirement.
He has been awarded the following awards: Legion of Merit, Mexican Service Medal, Mexican Border Service Medal, World War I Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
