SSGT ELPIDIO ALLEN ARQUERO

ELPIDIO ALLEN ARQUERO

Robert Hiles
gunny@gunnerysergeant.net
We served as Drill Instrutors
2421Evergreen Dr. Pearland Texas 77581 US
A Hero God needed him to square away the Guards at the Gates as is said in our Hymn
http://www.gunnerysergeant.net/

An outstanding leader!
May 13, 2013

Robert Pearce
Fellow Marine
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Elpidio Allen Arquero (1694536), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Sergeant, First Platoon, Company B, Battalion Landing Team 1/3, Ninth Amphibious Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 10 May 1967. While participating in Operation BEAVER CAGE in Tinh, Quang Nam Province, Staff Sergeant Arquero's platoon was lead unit in a company search and destroy operation, when heavy contact was made with two companies of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese regular forces. His flank security began receiving heavy automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. He immediately made his way to its position through the hail of enemy fire and courageously directed effective return fire. In order to provide much needed time for his platoon to deploy, he organized an assault element from the remaining members of his flank security. By this time the enemy fire power had increased in severity and effectiveness, yet he daringly continued to expose himself. Without concern for his own safety, he rallied his brave assault force and charged directly into the entrenched enemy positions. This action, which cost him his life, halted the advance of the enemy long enough to allow his platoon time to extract its wounded and withdraw to a defensible position. As a result of his heroic conduct and fearless devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Arquero undoubtedly saved the lives of many comrades, upholding the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Aug 19, 2012

Don Bumgarner
dbumc13usmc@verizon.net
Fellow Marine same Battalion
Whittier CA 90603
SSGT ARQUERO was with Bravo Company and I was with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines on Operation Union/Beaver Cage in the Que Son Valley when he met his fate. Companies 'B', 'C', and 'D' were on a Sweep headed towards Hill 110, when Company 'B' was Ambushed by the NVA. Company 'B' requested Help, and a Platoon from Charlie Company was moving towards them, when the Platoon was AMBUSHED too. Charlie Company lost 7-KIA and many WIA that DAY. The Battalion had a total 22-KIA and 88-WIA with 3-NAVY CROSSES Awarded Posthumously, 2-NAVY CROSSES going to Charlie Company Marines. SSGT Arquero was Awarded the other NAVY CROSS Posthumously that day for His Heroic Actions. It was a TUFF DAY for both Bravo and Charlie Companies, and the Battalion that Day. I ALWAYS Remember May 10th, each Year, and say a Prayer for the Guys. WE ALL had Good Friends taken that Day. Semper Fi, Don B C/1/3 67-68. (I am the Web master at www.onethreemarines.com , and we have information there about Our Battalion with some History of Vietnam there. Also, there is a list of the MEN who served in Bravo Company in case you might know or looking for a Marine from B/1/3. Know WE DO REMEMBER Our Brothers on this WALL! Semper Fidelis and RIP My Brother!)
Jun 13, 2012

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
�You are Remembered�
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. �He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.� Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
May 10, 2008

Diane�H.
bluebery@dotnet.com
respect
Remembering, a fallen hero, on the anniversary, of his birthday. Rest in Peace, Sir. ~God Bless~
May 14, 2007

Carl Schroeder
Plumber098@home.com
I was a corpsman, in his company
1416, Catalpa Dr., Royal Oak, MI., 48067, USA
A Real, Fine Man
SSGt., Arquero was, quite a guy. A real professional, that I was proud, to serve, my country with. I was a corpsman, who went on, plenty, of patrols, with the 1st, platoon. I was wounded, in the same battle, during which he, lost his life. Although, I was not, next, to him, nor have a chance, to give him, aid, I guarantee, that he gave his life, for his men, under his charge. We, all were willing to do, the same, for him. Myself, it was a real sad, day, in my life, when I learned, he had passed. He will have, a lasting affect, on my life. I'm grateful, our paths crossed.
Monday, May 15, 2000

Kimberly Kimmel-Ober
kimabmitz@earthlink.net
admirer
Encinitas, California, United States, of America
For SSGT/E-6, Elpidio Arquero and all those, who knew him and loved him, I just want to say thank you, for your dedication and sacrifice! Please know, that you have, not been forgotten and always will hold a special place, in my heart! It would have been nice, to have known you, as a person and I greatly, appreciate your service! I just wish, you did not have to pay, so, high a price! You forever will, be a hero, in my eyes!
Wednesday, June 19, 2002