THE WALL OF FACES

Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Gonzalo H. Villasenor (ASN: RA-15812734), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Villasenor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 April 1969 while serving as a rifleman with a platoon operating in Hau Nghia Province. His platoon was carrying out an intelligence mission when the lead man detected an enemy ambush in time to warm his comrades. A fire fight erupted, and the hostile forces were routed. Wishing to maintain contact with the fleeing enemy, the platoon pressed forward. On entering a wooded area, the friendly element came under an enfilade from automatic weapons, rifle grenades and mortars. Identifying a source of enemy fire to the left flank, Specialist Villasenor began moving toward the emplacement. Although he was struck in the leg by hostile fire, he continued advancing, crawling toward the bunker, alternately firing his rifle and tossing grenades. Just as he succeeded in silencing his target, he came under intense fire from another enemy fortification. Despite being wounded a second time, he bravely retaliated with a hail of rifle fire. Continuing forward he received a fatal wound to the head ending his brave advance. Specialist Four Villasenor's 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.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2024 (1969)

Action Date: 11-Apr-69

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company

Battalion: 1st Battalion (Mechanized)

Regiment: 5th Infantry Regiment

Division: 25th Infantry Division

Gonzalo is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Fort worth,TX. DSC BSM PH

SPECIALIST 4

GONZALO H. VILLASENOR


who served with


HEADQUARTERS & HEADQUARTERS COMPANY

1st BATTALION

5th INFANTRY REGIMENT ( MECHANIZED )

25th INFANTRY DIVISION


" TROPIC LIGHTNING "


was a posthumous recipient of the


DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

PURPLE HEART

NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN SERVICE MEDAL


and was entitled to wear the


COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE





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





20 JULY 1999



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See also the REMEMBRANCE for


CORPORAL

MARTIN LECHUGA


a posthumous recipient of the


DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS


who was lost along with


SPECIALIST 4

GONZOLO H. VILLASENOR


in this same action

Chalo was my Mom, Dolores, cousin. We are very proud of him, and all the other men and women who served in Vietnam. The family called him Chalo, he was named Gonzalo after his grandfather. He was with Martin Lechuga on April 11, 1969, when they got into a firefight. They took out a bunker that was trying to harm other members of their platoon. They are the best! I hope I could be that brave, when it counted, like they were.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Gonzalo H. Villasenor, 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, job well done Soldier!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND