Tampa CRA Unveils Life-size Statue of Tampa War Hero Baldomero López
For decades, Tampanians have read the name of First Lt. Baldomero López on memorial plaques, historical markers, and the elementary school, swimming pool and veteran’s nursing home that bears his name. But now, Tampa residents and visitors will be able to come face to face with the Korean War hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice more than 75 years ago.
The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), alongside the City of Tampa will unveil the seven-foot-tall bronze casting of the U.S. Marine just outside Waterworks Park on Tuesday, October 27th. Fully funded by the CRA, this was a longtime passion project for Councilman Luis Viera, who says the monument will help tell the story of the 25 year-old who saved his fellow Marines on September 15, 1950.
"Lt. Baldomero López is an American hero who represents the best of Tampa," said Councilman Luis Viera. "His journey was a uniquely American journey, and this statue will allow everyone on our Riverwalk to contemplate the heroism of this selfless protector, patriot and Marine. He represents one of our many American ties that bind us here in Tampa."
The young Tampa Marine Corps officer was killed in his first day of combat while storming a beach at the Battle of Inchon. Accounts by his fellow Marines say Lopez was hit by enemy machine gun fire as he attempted to throw a hand grenade. He fell beside the grenade, and being unable to hurl it, rolled over top of it to save the lives of the men near him.
"First Lt. Baldomero López gave everything in service to his fellow Marines and his country, and Tampa has carried his story forward for more than 75 years," said Mayor Jane Castor. "When duty led to the ultimate sacrifice, our community kept its promise to honor his story. This statue ensures that generations to come will know the courage, selflessness and Tampa spirit of a hometown hero who gave his life to save others."
Long before López’s story became legend, he was the son of immigrants born and raised in Ybor City. He graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1943 and went on to attend the United States Naval Academy before joining the Marine Corps. With the outbreak of the Korean War in the summer of 1950, he volunteered for duty as an infantry officer.
Within three months, he was leading men under fire over the seawall during the Inchon Landings. A photograph from war correspondent Marguerite Higgins shows López seconds before his death, exposing himself to enemy fire. One year after his death, his parents traveled to Washington, D.C., where he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
"Dragging his body forward, critically wounded and unable to grasp the grenade, he sacrificed himself rather than endanger the lives of the men," the citation read. "With courage and devotion to duty, he gallantly gave his life for his men and country."
To this day, López is one of only two servicemembers from Tampa who have received the nation's highest military medal. That Medal of Honor, though received posthumously, is depicted on Baldomero López's military uniform on the statue.
The statue itself is a bronze casting that started with a clay over an armature of metal and foam, created by an artist in northern Florida.