Ernesto Perez

Ernesto Perez was born in Texas and came to Winnebago County in 1952 with his parents who were farm workers. He attended Rake schools but left school early to work until he was old enough to join the Marine Corps. His tour in Vietnam began as a rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines on October 13, 1967. On December 15th his squad was ambushed near Con Thien in Quang Tri Province while on patrol. Under heavy fire, Perez gave medical aid and brought to safety one of his squad. When he attempted to rescue a second member, he was killed by intense enemy fire. PFC Perez was awarded the Silver Star for his valor which was accepted by his parents. He was the first American from Winnebago County killed in action in Vietnam. He was buried in the West Cemetery in Rake.