Demecio Gonzales, who was the fifth child of thirteen, was born on July 4, 1948, in a small village which is south of Las Vegas New Mexico. The Gonzales family moved to Brighton, Colorado and that is where Demecio, who was called Demmy grew up and attended school.

On June 1, 1967, Demecio enlisted in the Army in Denver, Colorado. He had basic training at Fort Hood, Texas. Also was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Fort Benning, Georgia for Airborne training.

His service in Vietnam started in October,1967. He was with the 101 Airborne 2/17 Calvary B Company 3rd Battalion 10th infantry. During the TET offensive in February 1968, he was wounded and sent to Okinawa, Japan for a few months to recuperate. A Purple Heart was awarded to Demecio because of his injuries.

SP4 Demecio Gonzales returned to the U.S. and home in Brighton, Colorado in January 1969. He was next stationed at Fort Bragg and then Fort Carson, Colorado where he was given an honorable discharge in May 1970.

Demecio and his wife Dorothy were married in 1969. From this marriage they had two daughters and one son. They lived in Colorado until 1982. Espanola, New Mexico was their last and permanent home.

While living in Espanola, New Mexico, Demecio worked with a business machine company in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was trained in repairing typewriters. His next employment was with the postal service in Santa Fe. He retired early from the postal service because of his struggle with PTSD and his wounds from war.

Demecio became ill with leukemia and died on July 8, 2014, and is buried at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe New Mexico. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years and three children and 5 grandchildren. He leaves behind memories of his life which sometimes was filled with laughter because of his humor. He leaves behind memories of his struggles in life because of his Vietnam experiences. https://sites.sfcc.edu/vlp/bio-00-demecio-gonzales/?fbclid=IwAR0jEEMV5e6XBtN8R_664t65Y5-y53XDNAwCIjXSEyt9OfqCHtLdcwlv3Aw
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

DEMECIO GONZALES

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