About Miguel de la Peña
Lived 1919 – 2012 (aged 93). Miguel de la Peña was an American military officer.
Lieutenant Colonel Miguel de la Peña (February 17, 1919 in San Antonio – September 16, 2012 in San Antonio) was a United States Army officer and one of the first American officers of Hispanic origin in the United States Special Forces.
De la Peña joined the Army during World War II and fought from Normandy through to Czechoslovakia. He also fought in both the Korean War and Vietnam War.
In 1965 he served as commander of U.S. Special Forces in III Corps, South Vietnam. He was asked to form a battalion designed for special missions. Designated a Mobile Strike, or MIKE Force in his honor, the battalion contained three rifle companies and a heavy weapons company, all led by a U.S. Special Forces A Team.
He retired from the Army in 1967.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Miguel de la Peña's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Miguel de la Peña?
US Army officer (1919-2012)
When was Miguel de la Peña born?
Miguel de la Peña was born on 17 February 1919 in San Antonio.
When did Miguel de la Peña die?
Miguel de la Peña died on 16 September 2012 in San Antonio.
What was Miguel de la Peña's occupation?
Miguel de la Peña was a military officer.
What nationality was Miguel de la Peña?
Miguel de la Peña was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Miguel de la Peña
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Miguel de la Peña. https://biography.guide/miguel-de-la-pena/
MLA: "Miguel de la Peña." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/miguel-de-la-pena/.
Chicago: "Miguel de la Peña." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/miguel-de-la-pena/.
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