Paul Ponce ’67

Posted by .

Paul Ponce

Paul Ponce
Spec 4, Army

Ponce medals

A Class of ’67 alumni, Paul arrived in Vietnam in November of 1968.  On August 15, 1969 he was lost to enemy action, most likely a mine or IED.  The following is a post from a friend who served with him in Vietnam:

Ponce. We met in Chu Lai during stand down. It was crazy how we met. I hadn’t seen you since Basic in Ft Lewis. We became great friends. We talked of family, cars, girls. I grew up in San Jose just a few miles from Santa Clara. When I heard you were KIA my heart sank. Fortunately I was able to meet your family, met your son told them of our meeting. They were happy that he knew someone from home. I celebrate every Veterans Day thinking of you. PEACE

Personal Data

Home of Record:   Santa Clara, CA

Date of Birth:         05/22/1948

Marital Status:      Married

Military Data

Service Branch:    Army of the United States

Grade at Loss:        E4

Rank:                      Specialist Four

MOS or Specialty: 11B20:  Infantryman

Length of Service: One year

Unit:                        A Co, 3rd BN, 1st Infantry, 11th Infantry BDE, Americal Div, USARV

Casualty Data

Start Tour:             11/23/1968

Incident Date:       08/15/1969

Casualty Date:       08/15/1969

Age at Loss:            21

Location:                Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam

Remains:                Body Recovered

Casualty Type:      Hostile, died outright

Casualty Reason:  Ground casualty

Casualty Detail:    Other explosive device

On the Wall:             Panel W19   Line 47