THE WALL OF FACES

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Oscar Cruz Gonzalez served his country admirably. The sacrifice he made was a testament of his pride and love for our country and for the other soldiers past, future and present who bravely grace the battlefields with unwavering courage. Private First Class Oscar Gonzalez and Veteran Dan Linn are MEN OF HONOR. May God continue to bestow grace on Oscar's family and Mr. Linn's family. Mr. Linn is to be commended for telling and sharing this story with the world. His book will serve as a legacy for generations to come--especially to Elizabeth Vasquez--Mr. Gonzalez' little sister who was only 3 years old when he died. Mr. Gonzalez, the deaths of the other 152 fallen soldiers who were killed during that 4 year period and to those who made it home alive--- deserve to be remembered for the VALOR they demonstrated for our country. MY GIFT TO YOU will heroically depict that valor......

Oscar and I grew up as friends, he lived next door to me and his sisters, him and I would play togethere. He was a very good son, bro, and friend and will be remembered always.

Your Friend Always,
Yvonne

You helped carry me to safety on 12 Jan 70 and then gave your life on 25 Jan 70 during the Battle of Hill 474. I have donated a copy of My Gift to You, by Jerry Berry, Battalion PIO, 67-68, to the Vietnam Project at Texas Tech University for all to know of your bravery and devotion to duty to the United States Army and the 2nd Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion (Air Mobile/Air Assault), 506th Infantry (Currahee), 101st Airborne Division.

Currahee, my friend.

Oscar Cruz Gonzales was born October 31, 1948 and his home of record was Elsa, Texas. He had attended Edcouch-Elsa High School.

In Vietnam, he served with the 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Divsion (Screaming Eagles).

He was killed in the Battle of Hill 474 on January 25, 1970. He had been in Vietnam two months and was 21 years old at the time of his death.

He was survived by his parents; Mr. and Mrs. Jorge G. Gonzalez; his sisters: Olga, Felcipas, Olivia, Rita and Elizabeth and brothers: Jorge, Luis, Benigno and Victor.

A funeral mass was said at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsa and he was buried in Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco, Texas.

God rest your soul, Currahee.

If any of his family and friends come to this site, please contact me. Thank You.