Could very well be called The "Hispanic" Hymn.
United States of America
We will fight out country's battles in the air, on land and sea
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze, from dawn to setting sun
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun
From the snows of far off northern lands, and in sunny tropic scenes
You will find us always on the job, our love of this country runs
deep.
USofAmerican Patriot
While looking at photos of a Vietnam Medal of
Honor Recipient recently forwarded to me, reminded
me of SGT Gonzalez I wanted to share, here is his story.
GONZALEZ, Alfredo
Medal of Honor Recipient
He gallantly gave his life for his country
Rank and organization:
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A,
1st Battalion, 1st Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF.
Place and date: Near Thua Thien, Republic
of Vietnam, 4 February 1968.
Entered service at:
San Antonio, Tex. Born: 23 May 1946,
Edinburg Tex.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon commander,
3d Platoon, Company A. On 31 January 1968, during the initial phase
of
Operation Hue City, Sgt. Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction
force
and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city.
While moving by truck convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of
Lang Van Lrong, the marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire.
Sgt. Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the marines in his platoon, and
directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately
after
crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense
enemy fire.
One of the marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the
ground
in an exposed position.
With complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Gonzalez ran through the
fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade.
He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during
the rescue, he carried the wounded marine to a covered position for
treatment.
Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from a
fortified
machinegun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily
halted.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sgt. Gonzalez exposed himself
to the
enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering
rice paddy
to a ***** directly across from the bunker.
Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept
road
and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades.
Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, he steadfastly
refused
medical treatment and continued to supervise his men and lead the
attack.
On 4 February, the enemy had again pinned the company down,
inflicting
heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire.
Sgt. Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons,
fearlessly
moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily
fortified enemy emplacements.
He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of
the
enemy fire before falling mortally wounded.
The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sgt.
Gonzalez
reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in
keeping
with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.
.
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