THE WALL OF FACES

Juan, I never got to know you, but the city of Edinburg has never forgotten you. When I posted tributes on Facebook, honoring the seventeen men from Edinburg who lost their lives in Vietnam, I sent out an urgent request for photos of the men whom I had not been able to find photos. I was told that you were an only child, that you were the first cousin of PFC Victoriano Espinoza, KIA in Vietnam, that you left college to go to Vietnam after Victor was killed. I was horrified and heartbroken as I realized that your grandparents lost two children to this war. One of your high school friends had saved the news clipping about your casualty and shared it with me. That is how I got your picture. As the word spreads, I hope to find out who has the original picture so that I can post a better one. Until then, know that the city does not forget you. We know that you are at rest with your beloved cousin, Victor, and we mourn the loss of both of you.

Private 1st Class, Juan Leonardo Contreras, who was an only child from the parents of Mr. & Mrs. Gilberto & Guadalupe Contreras of Edinburg, Texas. He was an Edinburg High School student. He was a bright, Intelligent, and Smart academically.
He was dedicated, determined, desired, compassionate,,honest, and respectable, when it counted in life.
My mom is Mrs. Juanita Garza Diaz, is a cousin of Private 1st Class Juan Leonardo Contreras which are, in part of my grandparents, whose names are the following: Mr. & Mrs. Alberto & Juanita F. Garza, and her daughters are Juanita, Maria de Jesus, Maria Concepcion, Arturo, Manuel, and Alberto, Jr.

Juan you are in my thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi.

Semper Fi, Marine.

Juan is buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Edinburg,TX. PH