Career
Gandara joined the Army from Los Angeles in February 1943. According to Gandara"s United States. Army"s biography:
Gandara was born in Santa Monica, California, April 25, 1924. His detachment came under devastating enemy fire from a strong German force, pinning the men to the ground for a period of four hours.
Gandara advanced voluntarily and alone toward the enemy position and destroyed three hostile machine-guns before he was fatally wounded.