SMN Eddie Hernández

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=79587296

One of seven Coast Guardsman to die in the Vietnam War while attached to the U.S. Navy.

Father's Name: Heriberto Hernandez Mother's Name: Juanita Segovia

http://www.uscg.mil/history/people/HernandezHeribertoSbio.pdf

Heriberto S. Hernandez was a native of San Antonio, Texas, and in July 1965, he enlisted from that city for four years of service in the United States Coast Guard. He served on board the Cutter BERING STRAIT, Loran Station Saipan, Base Galveston and, in the spring of 1968, he deployed for duty in Vietnam. Beginning in May, Fireman Hernandez, known by his shipmates as “Eddie,” served on board the 82-foot cutter POINT CYPRESS where he was killed in action. FN Hernandez posthumously received the Purple Heart Medal and the Bronze Star Medal with the Combat “V” devic e. He is the second Hispanic American service member known to have received th is honor. In his citation for the BSM, Vice Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt wrote: “Fireman Hernandez’s heroic actions under enemy fire were instrumental to t he success of friendly forces in harassing and destroying the enemy’s morale and feeling of se curity. Fireman Hernandez’s professional skill, courage under enemy fire, and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”