Cresencia Garcia, a medic in the Six Triple Eights during World War II, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday surrounded by family and friends who paid tribute to her heroism.

She was born in Puerto Rico on April 18, 1920, and moved to New York with her family when she was young. When Japan struck Pearl Harbor, she and many other Americans rushed to enlist.

Although segregation was illegal at the time, Garcia was transferred to Texas for basic training in a segregated unit because of her race

Because of her fair complexion, she was given the chance to train as an Army doctor, giving her an advantage over other Black people.

She was showered with gifts including the most recent iPhone, gift baskets, cake, and undisclosed amounts of cash