A Valley family said goodbye to their grandfather, a man they say racked up honors in battle during WWII, then returned to blaze a trail for Hispanic educators.

Eugene Gutierrez - a veteran and member of the historic Devil's Brigade – was laid to rest Thursday.

His military service was honored during the burial.

"I think he felt guilty coming home alive when his friends didn't,” First Special Service Force Association President Beth Foster, said. “He said that someone needed to tell their story."

READ ALSO: Valley WWII veteran marks 100th birthday with special flight  

Gutierrez first enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 in the hopes of supporting his family.

His military accolades included the WWII Victory Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal and the Bronze Star.

Gutierrez would later become McAllen’s first Hispanic principal.

Watch the video above for the full story.