Evelio Alfred Gomez was a army Long Range Patrol Ranger, and while
on a most dangerous mission, he was killed in action while engaged in ground combat
with the North Vietnamese Regular Army (NVA). He fought gallantly, but before
help could get to the team, he was killed by small arms fire. A little history
of the unit he belonged to will help define the soldier he was. First, to get
into this unit, one had to volunteer. Why? Because, the men of this unit would
be ask to go beyond that of a regular combat soldier. The regular soldier would
travel the jungles with a 100 plus men, but Evelio would travel with a team of
4 men, and at times 5 men. These teams were ask to run some of the most dangerous
missions in the history of the army. They operated deep within enemy held territory,
and ground or mechanized infantryman in most cases, could not help them. No, they
depended first on themselves, then communications, artillery, helicopters, and
if lucky, air support from the fighter airplanes, be it navy or air force. The
purpose of the small teams was to gather valuable information that would be used
by commanders to plan effective operations against the enemy. This information
could be gotten no other way. These teams were saving untold lives, while risking
theirs', and the regular infantryman would have no idea of these men's great contribution
to their welfare. The teams would also get missions where they not only gathered
information, but would also performed ambushes, and do prisoner snatches. What
ever was needed by high up, they would do. I personally never heard a LRP RANGER
ever brag of their importance to the larger units. Most were down home boys, that
seen the need, and answered the call, at great risk to themselves.
Evelio
is to be recognized for the courage and the bravery it took to join a unit like
this, knowing the dangers, he was not swayed, he wanted it.
His action borders
on the heroic. Guy that did this kind of work were certainly brave, with nerves,
and guts of steel. We need often to remember them for the honor they brought to
God, family, 75th rangers, the united states army, and our Great Nation, "AMERICA!"
Because of men like our brother Evelio, we are still able to raise our "FLAG"
over the United States Capital. A symbol of freedom for our great Nation, and
a Hope for those desiring freedom around the world. Evelio, may your contribution
to Freedom never be forgotten. Your gone from us, but know, you are emblazed in
the heart of your loved ones, the rangers, and untold others. You are a part of
history made long ago, in the jungles of Vietnam. Rest now our brother, until
we join you once again, on patrol.
Bob Smyers |
