THE WALL OF FACES

*

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS


For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Perez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March 1967 while serving as machine gunner of an infantry platoon on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. The platoon engaged and killed two hostile soldiers but when one man moved forward to search the area, he was seriously wounded by intense enemy fire. Without regard for his own safety, Specialist Perez rushed forward and directed a heavy volume of accurate fire into the enemy positions. Remaining exposed, he fought off repeated attempts by the enemy to reach his comrade. An enemy grenade wounded him seriously but he continued to repel numerous hostile assaults. During a lull in the battle, Specialist Perez dashed to retrieve his fallen friend. He then continued to fight courageously until the enemy broke contact. He gave his life while gallantly fighting to protect his comrades in the face of grave danger. Specialist Four Perez extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.



Perez, Daniel F., son of Sista F. Perez, was born at Beeville, Tex., July 19, 1944. Died in Vietnam, Mar. 16, 1967; aged 22 y. 7 m. 25 d. Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Benilda Perez Marez. He attended Calvary Church, Mathis, Tex., where funeral services were held Mar. 26, with Eulario Flores, Samuel Hernandez, and Paul Conrad officiating. Interment in Descansa Eterno Cemetery. Rest in peace with the warriors.

Daniel is buried at Descansa Eterno Cemetery in Mathis, TX.

SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS

DANIEL FLORES PEREZ JR.


COMPANY A

2d BATTALION

35th INFANTRY REGIMENT

" TAKE ARMS "

25th INFANTRY DIVISION

" TROPIC LIGHTNING "


CITATION FOR POSTHUMOUS AWARD OF

THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS


The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Daniel Flores Perez, Jr., Specialist Fourth Class, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Perez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March 1967 while serving as machine gunner of an infantry platoon on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. The platoon engaged and killed two hostile soldiers but when one man moved forward to search the area, he was seriously wounded by intense enemy fire. Without regard for his own safety, Specialist Perez rushed forward and directed a heavy volume of accurate fire into the enemy positions. Remaining exposed, he fought off repeated attempts by the enemy to reach his comrade. An enemy grenade wounded him seriously but he continued to repel numerous hostile assaults. During a lull in the battle, Specialist Perez dashed to retrieve his fallen friend. He then continued to fight courageously until the enemy broke contact. He gave his life while gallantly fighting to protect his comrades in the face of grave danger. Specialist Four Perez' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.





THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL

AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE




14 February 1999
30 July 1999

YOU WERE THE ONLY SON AND YOU DID NOT HAVE TO GO TO VIETNAM.BUTYOU FELT THAT THAT WAS YOUR DUTY AND YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.I REMEMBER YOU USED TO WALK ME HOME FROM SCHOOLI NAMED MY SECOND BOY AFTER YOU.HE IS ALOT LIKE YOU.LOVE YOU-COUSIN JOE