Gonzalo H Villasenor

The database page for Gonzalo H Villasenor

22 Sep 2002 Photo courtesy Terry & Greg Rangel (nephews) Remembered by his comrades in the 5th Infantry (Mech) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY VIETNAM APO San Francisco 96375 9 June 1969 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 2004 AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. VILLASENOR, GONZALO, RA 1582734, SPECIALIST FOUR HQ and HQ Company, 1st Bn (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, APO 962 Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross Date action: 11 April 1969 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Villasenor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 April 1969 while serving as a rifleman with a platoon operating in Hau Nghia Province. His platoon was carrying out an intelligence mission when the lead man detected an enemy ambush in time to warm his comrades. A fire fight erupted, and the hostile forces were routed. Wishing to maintain contact with the fleeing enemy, the platoon pressed forward. On entering a wooded area, the friendly element came under an enfilade from automatic weapons, rifle grenades and mortars. Identifying a source of enemy fire to the left flank, Specialist Villasenor began moving toward the emplacement. Although he was struck in the leg by hostile fire, he continued advancing, crawling toward the bunker, alternately firing his rifle and tossing grenades. Just as he succeeded in silencing his target, he came under intense fire from another enemy fortification. Despite being wounded a second time, he bravely retaliated with a hail of rifle fire. Continuing forward he received a fatal wound to the head ending his brave advance. Specialist Four Villasenor's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.

17 Aug 2003 Gonzalo Villasenor was with his good friend Martin Lechuga on April 11, 1969. As their platoon moved forward, a firefight ensued. Chalo as our family called him, Poncho to his unit, pressed forward. As he and Martin were laying down fire, Chalo was wounded. Martin, as a result, went to his aid, what a hero! Martin placed himself in the field of fire, to help my uncle! I can't think of any words that will do justice to express how proud I am of these two men! They are my HEROES! From Chalo Villasenor's nephew, Gregory Rangel 4109 Cummings Dr. N Richland Hills, TX 76180 PilotTx1@aol.com

18 Feb 2004 I too am a Villasenor, but I do not know if we are related. For the past two years I have been wearing a KIA bracelet with the name Gonzalo H. Villasenor. I have always wondered exactly who this man was. Now that I do know how he died I am even prouder to be wearing his name on my wrist every day. I was just wondering if there was a way to thank the family members in his honor. From one who wears his bracelet, Jessica Villasenor j_villasenor05@Yahoo.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 08/10/2009