ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Two Native American brothers from the San Felipe Pueblo, who served bravely during World War II, now rest side by side in Luxembourg. While their physical presence is gone, their legacy continues through the powerful stories passed down through generations.
Macedonio and Jose Duran are being remembered by family members and historians alike for their courage and sacrifice. Ernestine Overfield, niece of Macedonio, reflected with a mix of pride and sorrow as she listened to the account of her uncle’s wartime service. “Macedonio’s 16th Infantry saw action in some of the war’s most brutal battles,” read Kevin Callahan, author of Brothers in Arms, during a tribute to the family.
Callahan also shared stories about Jose Duran, Macedonio’s brother, noting the striking physical similarities between the two. “They were both 5-foot-8 and 145 pounds,” he said.
Kinsey Yazza, the brothers’ brother-in-law, was also honored in the retelling. A standout athlete from the Albuquerque Indian School, Yazza was affectionately remembered as one of the “Four Horsemen” of his high school team.
Marie Acoya, a relative of the Duran brothers, spoke about the cultural belief that spiritual connections transcend physical boundaries. “I know they are aware of what’s happening today, in spirit,” she said.
The Duran brothers are among 286 pairs of siblings featured in Callahan’s book, which highlights the often overlooked stories of American families who lost more than one loved one in WWII. According to Acoya, the author’s efforts to reach out to the family years ago came as an unexpected but meaningful surprise. “It was touching—he found us after all these years,” she said.
As part of the tribute, Callahan presented commemorative medals to Overfield and Acoya in honor of the fallen soldiers. “While we grieve the loss of these brave men, we should also celebrate the extraordinary lives they lived and the sacrifices they made,” Callahan told the family.
Acoya emphasized the emotional significance of seeing her uncles’ story shared and preserved. “It’s deeply moving,” she said. “My grandparents always talked about the two uncles who went to war and never returned. Now their story is being honored.”
Family members say telling and retelling the story has brought healing. “It helps us move through the grief,” said Acoya.
Each year, the spirits of the Duran brothers are remembered during Day of the Dead celebrations at a family member’s home in San Felipe Pueblo—ensuring their memory remains alive in the hearts of those they left behind.
Callahan, meanwhile, continues his mission to uncover more stories like that of the Durans, determined to give voice to the silent sacrifices of American families during WWII.
