LUIS A N HILERIO PADILLA

Luis A N Hilerio Padilla died in the service of his country while serving in
K Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Infantry Division

Last name: Padilla
First name: Luis A N Hilerio
Home of Record (official): Yonkers
State (official): NY
Date of Birth: December 22, 1948
Marital Status: Single

Branch: Army
Rank: E-5
Component: Infantry
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11F4P
Major Organization: 4th Infantry Division
Unit of assignment: K Company (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne)

Entered Service:
Start of Tour: August 24, 1969
Date of Casualty: November 13, 1969
Age at time of loss: 20
Casualty type: Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire, ground
Country: South, Vietnam
Province: Pleiku

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 16W, Row 69

Ranger Memorial Stone: Section C, Column 3

Lord we thank you for the privilege of having served along side of men of this caliber. Help us never to forget nor allow others to forget soldiers like Luis. Encourage and embolden each of us to continue maintaining the belief that all men are created equal ,and deserves the right to choose. May we never accept injustice as an option but as a threat to freedom. The Freedom of all freedom loving people around the world. Thank You Lord for sending so many like our brother that are willing to stand, and give their final breath to prevent the threat to freedom from becoming a reality. Luis has now taken his place in our hearts as being one of America's Best. Joined with like soldiers in a place of love, peace, and joy. All Glory belongs to you Lord but you said; "Honor is due where Honor is due". Today we honor Luis by remembering him and his sacrifice for Freedom! May you touch and comfort his loved ones this day and every day with the peace that passes all understanding. We humbly ask it in Jesus Name. To his loved ones we say, it may seem all for naught seeing how the world is today, but Luis then, as soldiers of today, and all future soldiers, will continue to assure our freedom remains alive and the hope alive for the many oppressed of the world. Thanks for standing strong all these many years with just his memory. Know our hearts are joined with yours. May the peace of our Lord be with you always.

The "Flag of The United States of America" that we hail is a symbol of one nation, under God, with Justice, and liberty for all. She continues to flies free over our Capital because of the men and women like our brother Luis. One must salute him not only because he died for what he believed to be right, "the belief that all should live free and live their life accordingly". But, we must also salute him for being a special person that God had ordained long ago to be a "Warrior" in a time of turbulence for our nation and the world. His service in Vietnam was not the usual, no he went a step further and volunteered to serve in one of the most dangerous units of this war. One had to have guts of steel and be a team player to be in such a unit as "The Famed Long Range Patrol Rangers". A unit that pulled some of the most dangerous patrols in the history of the army. This was because they work deep inside of enemy held territory with a team of 4 men. This is why the 75th rangers only took volunteer. Growing up in Yonkers, New York he was a happy, lively person and encourage others to be all they could be. He was a leader before he came into the army, that is evidenced by his rank and length of service. Perhaps knowing he had the ability to lead was the motivating factor for him to join one of the most dangerous unit to serve with in Vietnam. As fate would have it, his life ended shortly after he became a ranger during a fire fight with the North Vietnamese Regular Army. His actions truly represents his loyalty to his family, his nation, and the United States Army. Truly one of America's Best! His page will remain on the world wide web site of the proud 75th Rangers Regiment as long as there is an organization. He is also Honored on the Virtual Wall in Washington D.C.
Luis we salute you for contributing the highest cost of war, the giving of one's life. We your brothers of like spirit do remember and love you. One day we will join you, again on patrol.

TAPS DAY IS DONE, GONE THE SUN, FROM THE LAKES ,FROM THE SKY. ALL IS WELL, SAFELY REST. GOD IS NIGH. FADING LIGHT, DIMS THE SIGHT, AND A STAR GEMS THE SKY, GLEAMING BRIGHT FROM AFAR, DRAWING NIGH, FALLS THE NIGHT. THANKS AND PRAISE, FOR OUR DAYS, NEATH THE SUN, NEATH THE SKY, AS WE GO, THIS WE KNOW, GOD IS NIGH. REST OUR BROTHER REST!

Dear Soldier
I am part of the senior class of Gridley High School in Gridley Illinois. People in our school are making remembrances for the virtual wall for many of the soldiers that died in the Vietnam War. You have my greatest thanks for paying the supreme sacrifice. Your service, loyalty, and love for this country helps make this country what it is today for your family, friends, and fellow citizens of this nation. This country will always be honoring you and the other soldiers of this country.
Sincerely

Brian Vercler

I never was expecting to see the name of my uncle here, but now that i saw his name in this page something inside me makes me feel sad but proud of what he did for our country and I wish to tell him that he's still living in our heart. Airborne all the way.

SPC Hilerio,Jorge Luis