HONORED ON PANEL 56W, LINE 2 OF THE WALL
EDWARD CRUZ CRUZ
WALL NAME
EDWARD C CRUZ
PANEL / LINE
56W/2
DATE OF BIRTH
CASUALTY PROVINCE
DATE OF CASUALTY
HOME OF RECORD
STATE
BRANCH OF SERVICE
RANK
REMEMBRANCES
LEFT FOR EDWARD CRUZ CRUZ
POSTED ON 5.5.2003
POSTED BY: Donald Lytle
Thank you Mate
Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Edward Cruz Cruz, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!
Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!
Again, thank you Sailor, for a job well done!
FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND
Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!
Again, thank you Sailor, for a job well done!
FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND
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POSTED ON 6.7.2002
POSTED BY: John Hecker
Was it friend or foe?
Edward Cruz was a crewman on a US Navy patrol boat known as a Swiftboat. These were 50 foot aluminum boats used to patrol the coast of South Vietnam from the DMZ to the Cambodian border. During a routine patrol they would stop and search any boats they found along the coast.
On June 16, 1968, PCF 19 was on routine patrol in the northernmost patrol zone nearest to the DMZ. The day passed quietly and night fell. Patrolling at night was hazardous due to the large bamboo buoys used by Vietnamese fishermen to anchor their nets, but on this night there would be greater danger for PCF 19.
As the six Americans and one Vietnamese crewmembers either slept or stood watch, the boat was suddenly attacked by unknown aircraft. Rockets hit the boat. A quick "mayday" radio message was all that was heard before the boat sank with four Americans and the Vietnamese.
Other PCF's responded to the distress call along with a Coast Guard Cutter and an Australian destroyer. They were also attacked by the aircraft. Several witnesses reported that the aircraft hovered like helicopters.
Later the Air Force reported that one of their fighters had mistaken PCF 19 for a North Vietnamese PT boat.
Those that were there that night are still not sure of who attacked them, only that as a result, four names are now on the Wall.
Billy Armstrong, GMG2; Frank Bowman, QM2; Anthony Chandler, BM2; and Edward Cruz, EN2.
They will always be remembered and honored by the sailors that served on Swiftboats in Vietnam.
On June 16, 1968, PCF 19 was on routine patrol in the northernmost patrol zone nearest to the DMZ. The day passed quietly and night fell. Patrolling at night was hazardous due to the large bamboo buoys used by Vietnamese fishermen to anchor their nets, but on this night there would be greater danger for PCF 19.
As the six Americans and one Vietnamese crewmembers either slept or stood watch, the boat was suddenly attacked by unknown aircraft. Rockets hit the boat. A quick "mayday" radio message was all that was heard before the boat sank with four Americans and the Vietnamese.
Other PCF's responded to the distress call along with a Coast Guard Cutter and an Australian destroyer. They were also attacked by the aircraft. Several witnesses reported that the aircraft hovered like helicopters.
Later the Air Force reported that one of their fighters had mistaken PCF 19 for a North Vietnamese PT boat.
Those that were there that night are still not sure of who attacked them, only that as a result, four names are now on the Wall.
Billy Armstrong, GMG2; Frank Bowman, QM2; Anthony Chandler, BM2; and Edward Cruz, EN2.
They will always be remembered and honored by the sailors that served on Swiftboats in Vietnam.
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