A friend to all and great American patriot passed away today! passed away after bravely battling cancer for several months. He was a humanitarian, a soldier, a father, a son, a brother, and a loving husband to his wife Maria.

Richard influenced the lives of hundreds of people. He had worked for the Veterans Administration for over 20 years, he helped his fellow veterans receive the benefits they were entitled to and he established Vet Help for homeless veterans. Later, Richard and Maria moved to Mexico to enjoy each other's company and get away from the busy world. However, Richard had the selfless drive to move back and help others in need and he started a program called Veterans Against Violence and Drugs. God will only know how many young men and women Richard motivated to change their lives and become good citizens and responsible! adults.

Richard rarely wore his Medal of Honor but when he did he represented his country with pride and he influenced others to volunteer to assist the homeless, the hungry, and kids in trouble. Richard proudly served his country and was a recipient of the Combat Medical Badge for his Vietnam war service, he was also awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration for valor the Congressional Medal of Honor, also the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, US Airborne Wings, Vietnamese Parachutist Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Star.

Richard was a member of the: Medal of Honor Society, Legion of Valor, Veterans of Foreign War, Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association, Special Forces Association, The 82nd Airborne Association and countless other organizations. Many people will miss Richard but he will not be forgotten. My name is Daniel Castillo and I'm proud to have been Richard's friend. God bless all of you!

I will pass on funeral arrangements when I get them to those of you who e-mail me back. Richard's interment will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Veteran's Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to

ROCCO, LOUIS R.


Rank and organization: Warrant Officer (then Sergeant First Class), U.S. Army, Advisory Team 162, U.S. Military Assistance Command. Place and date: Northeast of Katum, Republic of Vietnam, 24 May 1970. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 19 November 1938, Albuquerque, N. Mex.

Citation:
WO Rocco distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate 8 critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel. As the helicopter approached the landing zone, it became the target for intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, WO Rocco identified and placed accurate suppressive fire on the enemy positions as the aircraft descended toward the landing zone. Sustaining major damage from the enemy fire, the aircraft was forced to crash land, causing WO Rocco to sustain a fractured wrist and hip and a severely bruised back. Ignoring his injuries, he extracted the survivors from the burning wreckage, sustaining burns to his own body. Despite intense enemy fire, WO Rocco carried each unconscious man across approximately 20 meters of exposed terrain to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam perimeter. On each trip, his severely burned hands and broken wrist caused excruciating pain, but the lives of the unconscious crash survivors were more important than his personal discomfort, and he continued his rescue efforts. Once inside the friendly position, WO Rocco helped administer first aid to his wounded comrades until his wounds and burns caused him to collapse and lose consciousness. His bravery under fire and intense devotion to duty were directly responsible for saving 3 of his fellow soldiers from certain death. His unparalleled bravery in the face of enemy fire, his complete disregard for his own pain and injuries, and his performance were far above and beyond the call of duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of self-sacrifice and courage of the military service.

Funeral Arangements for MOH Richard Rocco

Public viewing will be at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services will be Sunday and Monday at Dodd Field Chapel, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Sunday, and a Mass at 1 p.m. on Monday. Burial will be in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.


Sempers,

Roger