 His family was deeply religious and as young child he served as an altar server for Roman Catholic church.He was only 8 years old when the United States 2nd Marine Division, 4th Marine Division, and the United States Army 27th Infantry Division landed on Saipan during Operation Forager in June 1944.When Saipan was declared secured by Allied Forces in July 1944, Tudela's family was relocated to Camp Susupe were they remained for the duration of the war.