Page 127 - Images: We were...We are

he was mortally wounded. By his dauntless courage, initiative and selfless efforts
on behalf of another, Sergeant Mendez saved his Platoon Commander's life and
upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

For the President,
The Secretary of the Navy

The Fox 2/7 Marines lost eight men killed in action in the engagement described in
Sergeant Mendez' Citation:

x Sgt Angel Mendez, New York, NY (Navy Cross)
x Cpl Frank M. Pokey, Milwaukee, WI
x HM3 Travis A. Simmons, Midland, TX (Corpsman from H&S 2/7) (Silver Star)
x LCpl Nelson A. Matlock, Depew Creek, OK
x PFC Michael C. Dominguez, Santa Barbara, CA
x PFC Andrew Fedor, Flemington, NJ
x PFC John A. Graber, Wichita, KS

PFC Pearl W. Myers, Terre Haute, IN

14 Feb 2004

Angel grew up at the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin - Mount Loretto, an
orphanage on Staten Island, New York. I also grew up there along with 1000 other
kids.

I did not know him personally, but he and my sister Sally were good friends. We
lost three men in Vietnam who grew up in Mount Loretto and since I am a member
of the Alumni Committee, I thought it would be nice to submit his picture on your
most wonderful site.

Sonia

14 Feb 2004

Hi, Sis!

The things I remember most about Angel was that he was a sweet and shy person;
never said anything bad about anyone and always went out of his way to be nice to
folks. He always offered to help anyone that needed it. We were very good friends
and "pen pals" from the time he left Mount Loretto until he died.

He was extremely proud to be a Marine and enjoyed the different places he was at
before he actually was sent to Vietnam. I remember getting many letters (and
pictures) from him but unfortunately could only find the one we've posted here.

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