Veterans Day honors those who served and came back. Memorial Day honors those who died while serving our country.
It would seem fitting to honor Freddy on Memorial Day, since he was, in fact, killed in action. But the truth is, he DID come back after his first tour of duty. He was actually assigned training duties. He didn't EVER have to go back to Vietnam. In fact, he didn't even have to sign up to begin with, as he was an only son.
Freddy COULD be alive today. He'd be a 70 year old veteran, and no doubt, a highly decorated one. But he CHOSE to go back, for a second, final tour. Why? Because he heard his comrades were getting killed, and he couldn't live with that thought.
And on the battlefield, he SHOWED just how much he wanted to see his buddies come back.
Will you SHOW just how much you want to see Freddy's legacy honored, by DONATING to this documentary? You'll receive a screen credit and thanks. ANY amount will help.
Edinburg residents: The Museum of South Texas History is holding a USS Gonzalez reception today at 4pm. Here are the details:
The Gonzalez, a guided-missile-armed destroyer commissioned in 1996, is named for Edinburg native Sgt. Alfredo C. Gonzalez, United States Marine Corps. Sgt. Gonzalez was awarded posthumously the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallant service in the Vietnam War.
Commander Walch and the crew members will be visiting the museum as part of a visit to the Edinburg community planned to coincide with Veterans’ Day activities. The museum visit provides the crew with an opportunity to view the Freddy Gonzalez exhibit, which memorializes the Edinburg native’s sacrifice for the United States during his second tour of duty in Vietnam early in 1968. Also attending the reception are Edinburg Mayor Richard Garcia and the mother of Freddy Gonzalez, Dolia Gonzalez.
Individuals who attend this reception will receive free admission and enjoy light refreshments. Commander Walch has been the commanding officer of U.S.S. Gonzalez since July 2015. His achievements include the Meritous Service Medal, several Navy Commendation Medals, and other unit awards.