Welcome to our guestbook, a space designed for connecting and sharing cherished memories. We invite you to take a moment to leave your mark on this memory journal.
Dear fellow Marines,
I served in the Corps in the early '50's with my childhood and best friend, Gunnery Sergeant Juan Almanza from San Antonio, Texas. We did Pendleton, South Camp Fugi, Japan, and Okinawa. We were in separate units but always close by. I was in Camp Kinser with the 3rd Bn 9th Marines (0311 Grunt) and he with the 12th Marines (Okinawa). Gunny Almanza also served in Santa Domingo (Bronze Star there), and in the American Embassy, Iran. He could be very firm and was always fair. He was as "Gung Ho" as you'd ever want to see. I left the Corps in '58 and he remained. In August of '58 I joined the Army's 9th Infantry Division and we lost touch for a while. In late September when I returned to the States, I received a letter informing me that Juan was KIA'd in the Quang Tri Province on September 9, 1967 by incoming enemy artillery. His name is on Panel 26E, Row 41 of the Wall. I have posted a Remembrance to him along with his picture (taken while he was in Iran) on the Virtual Wall. I do not know what outfit he was with in the Nam. If any Marine/s remember or knew him please contact me at the published email address. Most of his family has since passed away. I served in Nam with the Army's 506th. I have to tell you that I love ALL branches of the U.S. Military. Were are one hell of a Force! To all Marines, Semper Fi. To other branches, THANK YOU for serving, and believe, that we didn't go to the Nam for nothing!
I served in the Corps in the early '50's with my childhood and best friend, Gunnery Sergeant Juan Almanza from San Antonio, Texas. We did Pendleton, South Camp Fugi, Japan, and Okinawa. We were in separate units but always close by. I was in Camp Kinser with the 3rd Bn 9th Marines (0311 Grunt) and he with the 12th Marines (Okinawa). Gunny Almanza also served in Santa Domingo (Bronze Star there), and in the American Embassy, Iran. He could be very firm and was always fair. He was as "Gung Ho" as you'd ever want to see. I left the Corps in '58 and he remained. In August of '58 I joined the Army's 9th Infantry Division and we lost touch for a while. In late September when I returned to the States, I received a letter informing me that Juan was KIA'd in the Quang Tri Province on September 9, 1967 by incoming enemy artillery. His name is on Panel 26E, Row 41 of the Wall. I have posted a Remembrance to him along with his picture (taken while he was in Iran) on the Virtual Wall. I do not know what outfit he was with in the Nam. If any Marine/s remember or knew him please contact me at the published email address. Most of his family has since passed away. I served in Nam with the Army's 506th. I have to tell you that I love ALL branches of the U.S. Military. Were are one hell of a Force! To all Marines, Semper Fi. To other branches, THANK YOU for serving, and believe, that we didn't go to the Nam for nothing!