USMC Private Jesus Ramon Perez of Kingsville, Texas -Killed in Action in Vietnam on June 24, 1968.Photo byVietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

According to Census Data, more than two-thirds of the people in my South Texas hometown of Kingsville are Hispanic. Yet only one school in the entire county is named for a Spanish-surnamed person. He made the ultimate sacrifice to earn that honor.

Jesus Ramon PerezPhoto byVietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

I have not been able to learn much about the life of Jesus Ramon Perez. What I do know is that 22 is a very young age to die. I also know that Perez died as a hero - saving the life of a fellow marine.

PFC Jesus Ramon Perez, USMCPhoto byVietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

According to his Silver Star citation "near the Hai Van Pass in Thua Thien Province, Private First Class Perez' fire team was guarding a bridge on National Route One when the position suddenly came under attack by a numerically superior enemy force, utilizing hand grenades, automatic weapons and small arms."

"When one Marine was injured in the initial burst of fire, Private First Class Perez unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept terrain to the point of heaviest contact and commenced delivering suppressive fire at the hostile force, killing two of the enemy soldiers. Disregarding his own safety, he remained in the hazardous area and delivered accurate rifle fire which forced the enemy to withdraw and enabled his comrades to move the injured man to a relatively safe position."

PFC Jesus R Perez name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial WallPhoto byKingsville Independent School District

"While maneuvering to join his companions, Private First Class Perez was mortally wounded. His heroic and selfless actions saved the life of a fellow Marine and prevented the enemy from destroying the vital bridge."

Perez ElementaryPhoto byKingsville ISD

Today Pfc. Perez' name is attached to one of three elementary schools in his hometown. He is gone - but not forgotten.

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Other stories by Jack Beavers about Texas Hispanic Heritage issues include:

• Los Kineños: Hispanic heart of nation's largest ranch
• Jovita Idár: Bravest Texas Woman You Never Knew
• Monsters, Medicine Men & Witches: Frightening Texas Folklore
• The Healer: Legacy of Don Pedro Jaramillo in South Texas
• I knew Fort Cavazos' Namesake - I wish you could have met him

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