PFC Saldana was one of eight sons (along with 4 daughters) of Refugio and Bessie Saldana. The Saldana family is truly a military family as Lawrence and several other immediate family members served; both during and after WW II. PFC Saldana was a member of the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division and participated in the Battles of Normandy. PFC Saldana was 19 at the time of his death; July 3, 1944. He is interned at the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France, Plot F, Row 16, Grave 16.
During a 50th Anniversary of the Normandy invasion, Lawrence was awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal; the Regional Council of Normandy had the Monndie de Paris mint produce the commemorative medals as a tribute to those that fought to restore freedom.
Information and pictures graciously provided by Andrew Refugio Saldana, nephew, and the Lamar Daily News, June 8, 2001.