Alberto A. Picó

Alberto A. Picó
Born	August 23, 1918 Coamo, Puerto Rico
Died	September 4, 2003 (aged 85) Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
Service / branch	United States Army Army National Guard
Years of service	1940–1972
Rank	Major general
Unit	13th Armored Division
Commands	296th Infantry Regiment 65th Infantry Regiment Adjutant General of the Puerto Rico National Guard
Battles / wars	World War II
Awards	Bronze Star Medal

Alberto A. Picó (born August 23, 1918, in Coamo, Puerto Rico – September 4, 2003, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico) was a military officer who became the 4th Puerto Rico Adjutant General.

Early years

After completing elementary and high school in his hometown, in 1938 he went to the University of Puerto Rico where he received his B.A. in arts and a commission of Second Lieutenant on May 29, 1940, thru the Army ROTC program.

Military and professional career

During World War II he served in Puerto Rico, the United States and Europe from 1940 to 1946. Until 1944 he served as an intelligence officer and later moved to the front lines with the 13th Armored Division.

In 1947 went on to the Puerto Rico National Guard. Was called to serve active duty during the Korean War with the 296th Infantry Regiment. In 1951 went to the republic of Colombia to train Colombian troops to fight in the Korean War.

Was back in the Puerto Rico National Guard in 1953 as commander of the 3rd Battalion 296th Infantry Regiment. In 1960 became Commander of the First Battle Group of the 65th Infantry with the rank of Colonel. On January 10, 1968, appointed Adjutant General of the National Guard of Puerto Rico by governor Luis A. Ferré and on March 3, 1968, he was promoted to the rank of General Brigadier. On August 10, 1970, he received another promotion to Major General.

Had a 28 year career with the United States Customs Service where he worked as auxiliary chief in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Military awards and decorations

Among Roig's decorations are the following:

	Bronze Star Medal
	American Defense Service Medal
	American Campaign Medal
	European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal
	World War II Victory Medal
	Army of Occupation Medal
	National Defense Service Medal
	Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold hourglass device
	Korean Service Medal

Death

Alberto A. Picó died on September 4, 2003, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico at age 85.

References

1. Negroni, Hector Andres (1992). Historia militar de Puerto Rico. Coleccion Encuentros (in Spanish). Sociedad Estatal Quinto Centenario. ISBN 84-7844-138-7.