SP4, Demecio Gonzales
July 4, 1948 – July 8, 2014
On June 1, 1967, Gonzales enlisted in the Army in Denver, Colorado. He had basic training at Fort Hood, Texas. Also was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Fort Benning, Georgia for Airborne training.
His service in Vietnam started in October,1967. He was with the 101 Airborne 2/17 Calvary B Company 3rd Battalion 10th infantry. During the TET offensive in February 1968, he was wounded and sent to Okinawa, Japan for a few months to recuperate. A Purple Heart was awarded to Gonzales for bravery in action.
SP4 Gonzales returned to the U.S. and home in Brighton, Colorado in January 1969. He was next stationed at Fort Bragg and then Fort Carson, Colorado where he was given an honorable discharge in May 1970.
Gonzales and his wife Dorothy were married in 1969. From this marriage they had two daughters and one son. They lived in Colorado until 1982. Espanola, New Mexico was their last and permanent home.
Notes:
- com, In the US Veterans Gravesites, 1775-2019
- “Obituary,” De Vargas Funeral Home (https://www.devargasfuneral.com/listings#pg=4)
Accessed20 January 2022), Demecio Gonzales, died July 8, 2014.
Link: Tet Offensive
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/tet
Prepared by Steve Martinez, Ph.D. Santa Fe Community College
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Legacy Memorial, Find Your Veteran
https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/DEMECIOGONZALES/6846659