Arturo Alberto Nazabal, JrSpecialist FourHHC, 5TH BN, 60TH INFANTRY, 9 INF DIV Army of the United States 02 June 1950 - 16 August 1969 Merced, California Panel 19W Line 051 |
 
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The database page for Arturo Alberto Nazabal, Jr
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The only uncle I've had that I have never met.
From his would-have-been-nephew, had he made it home. |
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I read off the names of all the fallen heroes from Alpha Company 5/60th, 9th Infantry Division (during the Vietnam War) at our 2006 Army reunion's memorial services in Saint Louis, Missouri. That was a very heartfelt moment for me. It was an honor to reconnect with those courageous warriors, but it did rekindle my sorrow and unfaded memories of their ultimate sacrifices. No young, patriotic face was more vivid to me than "Doc" Nazabal. Although he was only 19 years old, "Doc" was extremely mature beyond his age. He was so loyal and caring to his men and was a joy to be around. He was well respected by all who knew him. Arturo Alberto Nazabal, Jr, is "Doc" to us. He bravely accompanied our 11Bravo Infantrymen onto the battlefields of Vietnam as part of our "Band Of Brothers". The 9th Infantry Division started pulling troops out of Vietnam in June, 1969. Many of us with over 8 months "in country" service were sent home early. I still feel guilt at leaving any of our brothers behind. When I received word that "Doc" had been killed on 16 Aug 69 while on a mission in Long An Province, my heart ached. His loss and many other "Nam" brothers' losses still replay, even today, in my mind and are forever etched in my soul. Doc (Uncle Arturo to one special nephew) is not only sorrowfully missed by his loving family, but also by an extended family of friends who are honored to call him "Brother". Rest in peace, Doc Nazabal. You fought the good fight and are truly an American Hero.
Barney Tharp |
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Medics on the Wall memorial which honors the Army Medics and Navy Corpsmen who died in Vietnam. |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 29 May 2006
Last updated 08/10/2009