De Leon, Leon; De Leon, Reuben R (father/son). East L.A. Public Library, 2010-02-13T16:30:00

File — Interview-ID: MBY006190

Interview Description

Leon De Leon (89) talks to his son Reuben R De Leon (40) about his life.

Facilitator Subject Log

00:58 Leon talks about being born in Lompoc, CA, but also living in Mexico until he was 7-years-old.

07:50 Leon talks about becoming a signal-man in the Navy. He talks about why he joined the military.

12:30 Leon joined the Merchant Marines and talks about the scariest moment he ever had on a ship. He tells the story about his cargo ship almost capsizing.

16:30 Leon talks about his wife Carmen and when they first met.

23:00 Leon talks about his father. He says "[My father] raised us with one foot in the US and one foot in Mexico. "

34:00 Leon lists the most important lessons he's learned in life.