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On 25 August 1968, <em>Jose Pena</em> was serving as a platoon leader with Company B during a combat operation near the village of Thon Hai, seven miles west of Tam Ky City, in Quang Tin Province, Republic of South Vietnam. At approximately 4:00 p.m., Jose was mortally wounded when the company received small arms fire and enemy grenades.</p>
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Jose was born in New York 6 February 1944, two months after his father passed away. This event brought me courage in my difficult moments.</p>
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From his early years he showed his sense of independence and responsibility. He loved school, sports, especially sailing, and was an avid reader. In 1956 we moved to Puerto Rico. After completing elementary and high school at the Academy of Immaculate Conception in Mayaguez, he attended the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts for one year, prior to his appointment to West Point. His teachers and classmates admired his willingness to help the underprivileged. He was an inspiration to many.</p>
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While at the Academy of the Immaculate Conception he belonged to the Boy Scout Group. In high school he joined the Civil Air Patrol, where he earned the grade of cadet captain. At the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts he joined the ROTC. His ambition was to make the Army his career.</p>
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On 1 July 1963 Jose joined the Corps of Cadets USMA. While at the Academy he enjoyed every minute of his stay.</p>
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At the late President Kennedy’s inauguration, he was proud to be chosen with other USMA cadets to go to Washington and take part in the Inauguration Parade. In 1961 he also was chosen as an exchange cadet to represent the United States in Greece. From that trip he gained wonderful experience and many friends. His happiest moment was on 7 June 1967 when General Bennett presented him with his diploma and his commission as an officer of the United States Army.</p>
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After completing the Regular Army Infantry’ Officer Basic Course, Airborne Course, and Ranger Course, he was assigned to Hawaii, and from there to Vietnam. He was very happy to go, confident that he was going to do his duty to his country and to help make this a better world to live in.</p>
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He showed his love of country by giving his life. His generosity will make this a better world. He will live in our hearts forever.</p>
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God bless you.</p>
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