Armando Ramirez

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Willcox, AZ

Branch of Service: U.S. Army

Rank: Specialist 5

SP5 Armando Ramirez was stationed at Ban Me Thuot in South Vietnam as a member of the 155th Assault Helicopter Company. He was crew chief onboard a UH1H helicopter. On May 23, 1969, Ramirez’ helicopter crew was called on to insert a 5th Special Forces team into Cambodia for a classified mission. The chopper was hit by ground fire and crashed near Highway 13 in Kracheh Province.

A rescue team of Vietnamese commanded by an American was inserted a short distance away from the trapped men. The helicopter could not be moved to extract Ramirez’ body without heavy equipment, so the men were forced to leave him behind. Two days later, a search and recovery team arrived at the site but there no sign of Ramirez. Armando has never been brought home.

Armando had great devotion to duty and honor for our great nation. Armando loved his family and most certainly would have had a positive impact on those he surrounded himself with.

Age: 20

Date of Death: May 23, 1969