ROBERT JOHN SILVA

Robert John Silva died in the service of his country while serving in
E Company, 58th Infantry (Airborne) Long Range Patrol, 4th Infantry Division

Last name: Silva
First name: Robert John
Home of Record (official): Somerville
State (official): MA
Date of Birth: May 9, 1951
Marital Status:

Branch: Army
Rank: E-3
Component: Infantry
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 05B2P
Major Organization: 4th Infantry Division
Unit of assignment: E Company, 58th Infantry (Airborne) Long Range Patrol

Entered Service:
Start of Tour: October 14, 1969
Date of Casualty: November 27, 1969
Age at time of loss: 18
Casualty type: Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire, ground
Country: South, Vietnam
Province: Pleiku

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 16W, Row 127

Ranger Memorial Stone: Section C, Column 16

Lord, those who knew Robert are so thankful you allowed them to be graced by his being among them. We his brothers of like spirit a spirit that says all people, of all nations should enjoy the right to live free and to choose for themselves. We brother Rangers of the past, present, and future also thank you. Our brother stands out to us and the world as a symbol of the price of freedom. Your Word says; "no greater love hath a man than this, to give his life for a friend", Robert did just that! He forsook self-preservation for others to live. He acted out of love, a love that required no contemplation but rather action. Surely it never crossed his mind at the moment that he would come to be known as a "HERO". We thank you for men and women like our brother that thought it not too much, to give their life for others to live. Lord, this day give comfort to those loved ones that have been all these years without him. Help them to know he is at rest with you and "Warriors" of like kind. May we never forget the blood of others bought our freedoms. Lord, regardless of our belief, help us as we remember him and the many like him to consider the following words of wisdom; to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength, and secondly to love our neighbor as our self. Truly acceptance and application of this wisdom, by all people of the world, is to see war and all other atrocities against humanity end! May our hearts be charged to honor the sacrifices of such men and women with a continuous and sincere effort to promote peace on earth and good will towards all. To the family that has had to bear the loss of Robert, we offer our heart-felt thanks for your standing so strong. Many that enjoy real freedom have been affected by the great contribution he gave towards our freedom. He is still dearly loved and missed, even to this day.

Today as I sit and look out over Tampa Bay I think, how beautiful and serene it appears. I am reminded how blessed I am to be alive and living free in this great nation. I am also reminded of the many men and women that have died to preserve our freedom. These same brave warriors also died that other freedom loving people may live as they choose, within the limits of moral standards This tribute is in honor and remembrance of Robert John Silva. Truly one of America’s sons; one that was willing to stand up for our freedom and the freedom of others. He distinguished himself by the unit he chose to serve with in South Vietnam; a unit that was comprise of all volunteers. This was a highly specialized and a very “ELITE” group of men, that did perform, some of the most dangerous mission in the history of the Army, deep inside enemy territory. They worked with a total of four men in a team. Life expectance for these soldiers was considered short due to the concept of the missions. Yet Robert was willing. The unit I speak of is the 75th ranger regiment, one with a proud history. Called the sons of Famed Merrill’s Marauders. He was a hero that fought courageously until the fatal moment. The Angels then came to carry him into a realm of total peace, where love, peace, and joy are the order of the day. Death may have taken his physical body, but he and his fellow warriors are in heaven, where war and death are no more, and life is eternal. We do not understand why he had to leave us so soon, but for whatever reason, God choose to call him home. He is not forgotten until we and all that live free stop remembering. Brother take your rest and know we still love and miss you.

Bobby, so many years, so many tears! You were not only a neighbor but a childhood friend. You are truely missed. Rest in peace my friend for you earned your eternal sleep. No man can be expected to give more. You made us all sad by leaving but proud. We thank you for your sacrfice. You will not be forgotten !

Joseph L. Mannone, Sgt, USMC (Ret)