SGT. US Army, Carlos T. Maes

Carlos was the sixth of nine children born to J.D. Maes, Sr., and wife Efren in Maes, NM – a village homesteaded by his Grandfather M.D.A. (Manuel de Atocha) Maes. Like most young men of his time Carlos was eager to join the war effort. Lying about his age he was only sixteen when he joined the Merchant Marines in 1944.

As a crew member on a munitions transport, he helped ferry weapons and equipment from the West Coast to the troops in the South Pacific. On one memorable trip the crew took along a young Navy Lieutenant and his small patrol craft numbered PT109. The officer with his distinctive reddish-brown hair and New England accent went on to other things.

After serving two years Maes returned stateside for a short visit. His three older brothers were serving in the European theater, and he was anxious to join them, so he enlisted in the United States Army only to be sent back to the Pacific. He served with the 11th Airborne Division earning his Paratrooper Wings and Glider Wings. As a member of the 187th Regimental Combat Team he attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Asiatic Ribbon and the World War II Asiatic Ribbon.

After his service C.T. returned to New Mexico and was a 42-year employee at Los Alamos National Lab. He served his community as a special deputy with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department, even during the infamous Penitentiary Riots. His later years were spent at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi arriving at 5:30 a.m. every morning to straighten missals, change candles, complete his daily prayers and attend Mass with his longtime friends.

Notes:
“Obituaries,” Berardinelli Family Funeral Services, Carlos T. Maes ”C.T.” 24 November 2018