Marine Sgt. Jesus Roberto Vasquez - 1959

Jesus Roberto during his younger years before attending Jefferson High School. He enlisted in the Marines after graduating in 1965 and completed his basic training at Camp Pendleton, California. On Sunday, September 15, 2010, State Representative District 78 Joseph E. Moody in a Resolution Tribute said "WHEREAS, An explosive ordnance disposal technician, Sergeant Vasquez was assigned to the Ammunition Company, Supply Battalion, First Force Service Regiment/Force Logistic Command at Khe Sanh Combat Base; during an attack on the base that ignited part of its ammunition supply, he picked up a burning mortar shell and tried to throw it out of harm's way; though he died in the attempt, he saved the lives of many fellow soldiers in his platoon; for his selfless courage, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, three campaign medals, and two arm patches. WHEREAS, Our state and nation are fortunate to have men and women whose love of country leads them to military service, and time can never diminish the profound debt that Americans owe to Jesus Vasquez for the challenge he undertook and the sacrifice he rendered; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That tribute be paid to the life of U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Jesus Roberto Vasquez."

Area: Central / San Juan

Source: Vasquez Family

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

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21 August 2023 by Maria Ortiz

Lived across the street from From him in San juan neighborhood.

18 August 2023 by Maria Ortiz

Grew in the same neighborhood with Beto and his siblings on the end of beacon st.

11 February 2023 by Douglas F. Rhodes, MSG US Armt Retired

I went to EOD school with Jesus. He was al he could be. HE WAS A Marine. Semper Fi! we lived together in Indianhead Maryland for 13 weeks and then I lost touch with him. It was my loss. I have thought of him many times over the years. I remember him stating al he wanted to be was a Marine. He succeeded.

23 March 2021 by El Paso Museum of History

"How his family must have missed him." - Eva Ross

14 January 2019 by Dionisio (El Nicho) Dorado

I sometimes think of my friends from the barrio and San Juan school. My brother Titin and I grew up with Chuy and his brothers and sisters. We lived at the dead end of Daily street. I made it through the Army and became Cop just like lalo and Coco. I admire Chuy for becoming a HERO!