Daniel L. Mendoza was a Private First Class in the Army during World War II. Daniel resided in Imperial County, California before enlisting on April 5, 1944. At the time of enlistment, Daniel was 22 years old, had a grammar school education and was single, without dependents. One year later, Daniel was captured by Nazi Germany while serving in France, and was sent to Stalag 4B near Muhlberg, Germany where 8,412 other American POWs were held. Daniel's capture was first reported to the International Committee of the Red Cross on January 3, 1945, and the last report was made on July 4, 1945. Based on these two reports, Daniel was imprisoned for at least 182 days (~7 months), one of the shorter durations of captivity recorded, the average being 363 days. Ultimately, Daniel was returned to military control, liberated or repatriated.

Obituary:
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, February 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley for Daniel Mendoza, 93, who passed away Tuesday, February 2 of natural causes. Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Graveside service will be held Friday, February 12 at 10 a.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley. Daniel was born August 8, 1922 in Brawley. In his early years, he was in the U.S. Army, Corporal Combat Infantryman 63rd Regiment 1944-1945, and was a World War II missing in action Prisoner of War in Germany. Daniel later became self employed in the agricultural produce trucking business. He was a founding member of Hidalgo Society as well as Past Commander of D.A.V. El Centro. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Mendoza; and son, Lawrence Mendoza. Daniel is survived by his sons, Daniel Mendoza Jr. and Dolores and Ernest Mendoza and Stella; daughter, Gloria Mendoza Cota and Ernie; and 34 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great-grandchildren.