This collection contains material on the lives of James and Margarita Mendez. It consists of photographs, printed matter, memorabilia, correspondence, and realia. It includes material on Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools, the foreced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans, the World War II service of James Mendez and Margarita's brother Eloy Duran, and material related to Margarita's career as a social worker.

James Aleman Mendez was born July 21, 1921 in Los Angeles. He attended James Garfield High School and Frank Wiggins Trade School before joining the United States Army. He served in the 127th Infantry Regiment of the 32nd Infantry Division and fought in New Guinea and the Philippines. After the war he worked as a salesman for the General American Life Insurance Company.

4.8 Linear Feet (4 boxes; 3 flat boxes; 2 oversize flat boxes)

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Open for research.