Gov. Perry presents Medal of Honor to soldier's mother
Gov. Rick Perry (photo)
EDINBURG – Gov. Rick Perry posthumously honored Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez by presenting the Texas Medal of Honor to his mother, Dolia Gonzalez, in appreciation for her son’s service and sacrifice to the State of Texas.
"The motivation to fight oppression and defend those who cannot defend themselves is the noble heartbeat of our nation," said Gov. Perry. "On behalf of 23 million Texans, I am proud to honor Freddy Gonzalez with the Texas Medal of Honor. Texas will continue to give our thanks and prayers for him and those like him who serve our country with the valor and bravery of the greatest American heroes."
Gonzalez was born in Edinburg in 1946 and raised primarily by his mother. He grew up picking cotton with his family and playing football at Edinburg High School. Following high school graduation, Gonzalez enlisted in the Marine Corps.
On Jan. 31, 1968, Gonzalez’s unit was involved in the initial phase of Operation Hue City and deployed by truck convoy to reinforce other units fighting in the city. The convoy was attacked near the village of Lang Van Lrong and drew heavy enemy fire. Gonzalez immediately positioned his men and directed their fire until the area was free of enemy snipers. The convoy moved on and was attacked again after crossing a river south of Hue.
A Marine standing on a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in a position exposed to enemy fire. Gonzalez ran to the soldier, picked him up and carried him to a protected area. During the rescue, Gonzalez was wounded by fragments of exploding grenades.
The convoy eventually reached Hue, where Gonzalez and his unit fought against heavy enemy resistance. He was seriously wounded on Feb. 3, but refused medical treatment in order to stay with his men.
Gonzalez was hit by the last rocket fired by the enemy, and died in the Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, where he had taken cover. For his actions between Jan. 31 and Feb. 4, 1968, Gonzalez was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
His Medal of Honor was presented to his mother on Oct. 31, 1969, by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew at the White House. In 1996, the USS Alfredo Gonzalez, a guided missile destroyer, was commissioned in Corpus Christi. There is a permanent display of his uniform and medals at the Hidalgo County Historical Museum.
The Texas Medal of Honor, the state’s highest honor for military service, has been awarded to 5 servicemen prior to Gonzalez.
EDINBURG – Gov. Rick Perry posthumously honored Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez by presenting the Texas Medal of Honor to his mother, Dolia Gonzalez, in appreciation for her son’s service and sacrifice to the State of Texas.
"The motivation to fight oppression and defend those who cannot defend themselves is the noble heartbeat of our nation," said Gov. Perry. "On behalf of 23 million Texans, I am proud to honor Freddy Gonzalez with the Texas Medal of Honor. Texas will continue to give our thanks and prayers for him and those like him who serve our country with the valor and bravery of the greatest American heroes."
Gonzalez was born in Edinburg in 1946 and raised primarily by his mother. He grew up picking cotton with his family and playing football at Edinburg High School. Following high school graduation, Gonzalez enlisted in the Marine Corps.
On Jan. 31, 1968, Gonzalez’s unit was involved in the initial phase of Operation Hue City and deployed by truck convoy to reinforce other units fighting in the city. The convoy was attacked near the village of Lang Van Lrong and drew heavy enemy fire. Gonzalez immediately positioned his men and directed their fire until the area was free of enemy snipers. The convoy moved on and was attacked again after crossing a river south of Hue.
A Marine standing on a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in a position exposed to enemy fire. Gonzalez ran to the soldier, picked him up and carried him to a protected area. During the rescue, Gonzalez was wounded by fragments of exploding grenades.
The convoy eventually reached Hue, where Gonzalez and his unit fought against heavy enemy resistance. He was seriously wounded on Feb. 3, but refused medical treatment in order to stay with his men.
Gonzalez was hit by the last rocket fired by the enemy, and died in the Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, where he had taken cover. For his actions between Jan. 31 and Feb. 4, 1968, Gonzalez was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
His Medal of Honor was presented to his mother on Oct. 31, 1969, by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew at the White House. In 1996, the USS Alfredo Gonzalez, a guided missile destroyer, was commissioned in Corpus Christi. There is a permanent display of his uniform and medals at the Hidalgo County Historical Museum.
The Texas Medal of Honor, the state’s highest honor for military service, has been awarded to 5 servicemen prior to Gonzalez.
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