Jacksonville, North Carolina. (February 28, 2024): Very few Americans can claim credit for serving in two wars in one lifetime but there are always the few. In this photo by Lance Corporal Loriann Dauscher, 92-year-old retired Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos, a former infantry unit leader and decorated combat veteran, receives his certificate of retirement after twenty years’ service.
Originally from Cidra, Puerto Rico, SSgt. Gonzalez-Ramos enlisted in the Marines in 1951 and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with a Combat V device, the fourth highest military award for valor, while serving in jungles of Vietnam. During his time on active duty, he was stationed in Hawaii, California, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and Naples, Italy.
He recently celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary with his wife Ada and they have four children, eight grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren. Support Our Troops wishes SSgt. Gonzalez-Ramos a happy retirement after his long and faithful service to our nation.