Korean War Veterans share their stories for "Hero Street" documentary film series


Veteran Art Muños of the Mexican American Veterans Association (MAVA) met Fourth Wall Films' Kelly and Tammy Rundle at the Ybarra-Gomez VFW Post 8890 in East Moline, Illinois on the afternoon of June 10th. He made arrangements for the filmmakers to meet two Korean War Veterans who were willing to do interviews for the Hero Street documentary film series, specifically the episodes focusing on the Korean War.

Veterans Maurice Kitchen and Elroy Thomas sat before the 4K camera and remembered what it was like serving in Korea during the three year conflict. Both of them were proud to serve. Some memories were good. Some not so good. Their own experiences helped the Rundles understand what life must have been like for PFC Joseph Gomez and PFC John Muños, both from 2nd Street in Silvis, Illinois.

June 25th, 1950, marked the day the Korean War broke out as forces from the communist North invaded the South. 

PFC Joseph Gomez served with Co. K 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea.  Joe was awarded a Silver Star for gallant action against the enemy on May 17, 1951. Gomez was killed May 28, 1951.  V.F.W Ybarra-Gomez Post 8890 in East Moline, Illinois is named in his honor.

PFC John S. Muños entered the Army on January 15, 1951 and served in Korea with Co. F 38th Regimental Combat Team Second Infantry Division.  On Aug. 27, 1951, at age 23, John was among 740 Americans killed in the Battle of Bloody Ridge. His body was never recovered.

Approximately 4 million soldiers and civilians died during the Korean War.  36,574 U.S. soldiers who lost their lives while serving in Korea.

Save The Date! The Last to Fall from Hero Street: John Munos' Story premieres Saturday, November 8th, 2025 on the Putnam Giant Screen in Davenport, Iowa.

A World Away from Hero Street: Joseph Gomez's Story will premiere in 2026 - Watch for news and updates!

File:Gold Star.svg - Wikipedia

Only a block and a half long, Second Street in Silvis, Illinois lost six young men in World War II and two in the Korean War, more than any other street in America. Hero Street, as it is now known, has provided over 150 service members since Mexican-American immigrants settled there in 1929.

“Hero Street,” a multi-part documentary series by Fourth Wall Films, explores the compelling true story of eight Mexican-American heroes from Hero Street, USA in Silvis, Illinois: Tony Pompa, Frank Sandoval, William Sandoval, Claro Solis, Peter Masias, Joseph Sandoval, Joseph Gomez and John S. Muños.

Fourth Wall Films is an award-winning and Emmy® winning independent film and video production company formerly located in Los Angeles, and now based in Moline, Illinois. For more information visit HeroStreetMovie.com.

To purchase the documentaries on DVD visit FourthWallFilms.com!

 

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