12 May 1998 Leonard and I were married in December 1965. He left for Vietnam in January and died in August 1966. Leonard never met our son, as I was 7 months pregnant with him when Leonard was killed. I was 19 years old and Leonard was 22 at the time of his death. I have remarried since then. Leonard's son Leonard Jr. and grandson Ryan visit Leonard Sr's gravesite at Westwood Military Cemetery in Southern California. Leonard Gordon Gorospe, Private First Class, United States Army, born 26 June 1944, died 12 August 1966, was buried on 19 August 1966 in Plot 97 002/R, Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, surrounded by other men of honor and integrity. Just a Simple Soldier He was getting old and paunchy and his health was failing fast, And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he had fought in, the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies they were heroes, every one. And 'tho sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, all his buddies listened, for they know whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for ol' Bob has passed away, and the world's a little poorer, for a Soldier died today. No, he won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way and the world won't note his passing, 'tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth their bodies lie in state, while thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young, but the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land, some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife, goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life? The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives, are sometimes disproportionate, to the service that he gives. While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all, is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small. It's so easy to forget them, for it is so long ago, that our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys went to battle, but we know It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, would you really want some copout, with his ever-waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier, who has sworn to defend his home, his kin, and Country, and would fight until the end? He was just a common Soldier and his ranks are growing thin, but his presence should remind us - we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Soldier's part Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that might say: "Our Country Is In Mourning, For A Soldier Died Today" (Author Unknown)

 

6 Dec 2004 To Leonard's wife and son ... I was with Leonard the night he died. We had a conversation about life after Vietnam. His hopes and his wishes for the future, he couldn't wait to return home to be with you Pat [you were the love of his life] and the son that he never knew. I have often thought of you two, hoping and praying that all is well with you. If ever I can help you please contact me, thanks Winston. From a friend, Winston Abbott 8151 State Road 505, Cromwell, Ky 42333 winstonandlois@wmconnect.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 565th Transportation Company (Terminal Services) was based at Cam Ranh Bay as part of the 10th Transporation Battalion, responsible for operating the port at Cam Rahn Bay and associated logistic and administrative services.

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