Quick Links
Digg
news/2008/02/ap_texasmedalofhonor_080204
Texas Medal of Honor awarded to fallen Marine
Posted : Wednesday Feb 6, 2008 14:52:51 EST
EDINBURG, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry presented the Texas Medal of Honor on Monday to the mother of a Marine who was killed 40 years ago to the day in Vietnam.
Perry came to the hometown of Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez to bestow the state’s highest honor on Edinburg’s most revered war hero.
No less than a street, an elementary school and an American Legion post bear his name in Edinburg, as well as the guided missile destroyer Alfredo Gonzalez.
“You gave the most important gift that a mother can give, and that is your son,” Perry said to Dolia Gonzalez. “I thank God that each generation produces Americans like Freddy Gonzalez.”
Hundreds of people attended the ceremony in Cats Stadium, The Monitor reported in its online edition Monday.
Gonzalez grew up picking cotton with his family and played football at Edinburg High School. After graduation he enlisted in the Marine Corps.
He died during his second tour in Vietnam. Gonzalez, a platoon leader, had already been injured by enemy fire, but on Feb. 4, 1968, he held back an enemy advance and destroyed an enemy rocket position before being killed. He was 21.
Gonzalez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, in 1969.
The Texas Medal of Honor has been awarded to five servicemen before Gonzalez.
Digg
Contests and Promotions
Military Times Gear Shop
Shop now...for the Under Armour ColdGear Tactical Quarter Zip Shirt. Available in Black, Desert Tan, Marine Olive Drab (MOD) or UA Digital.
Win A 2009 Volvo S40 T5
Enter To Win...the Grand Prize: A 2009 Volvo S40 T5. Five First Prizes: $150 Exxon Mobil Cash Cards. Click here to learn more about the Volvo S40 T5 and enter.
Service Members Of The Year
Nominate your heroNominations have begun for the 2009 Service Members of the Year awards. Tell us about your unsung hero today.
Special Feature
CFC Info CenterFind everything you need to know about contributing to the Combined Federal Campaign.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
Soldiers Afar CoinEvery time we gaze at the heavens, the stars we see are a reminder that wherever we are, we can make a wish to the same star.
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






