Joaquim Vaz Rebelo

The database page for Joaquim Vaz Rebelo

05 Dec 2006 I am trying to locate anyone who would know one of the following, who paid the ultimate price. We were classmates and graduated together, but lost contact with one another once they were sent to a land I barely knew existed. Please if someone should recognize one or both please email me. I have been trying so hard to locate each for a long time. Leon Earl Bell, Corporal, Marine, KIA 7/2/67 Quang Tri S Vietnam, home town was Newark, NJ. I believe the unit was Bravo 1 9 Company. We called Leon "Ding Dong" because of his last name. He wanted to be a pro basketball player. Joaquim Vaz Rebelo, Lance Corporal, Marine, KIA 5/13/67 Quang Nam S Vietnam, home town Newark, NJ. We called him Jack. I do not know what unit he was with. He was born in Portugal, became a citizen, and died for a country that he loved. I know they are both home now and at a place of peace. From a friend and schoolmate, Madelyn Robertson 02 May 2007 Jack: I turned around We had just graduated High School As I turned around You were my friend to see As I turned around You were called to fight I turned again and you were gone It will be 40 years ago that you were called away It was time for you to go It was time for me to stay When I am called away I hope that when I turn around again it will be you I see I hope that when you turn and look you will recognize me From a friend, Madelyn 17 Jul 2007 Jack: I went to the Wall today I could hear you calling me I found you right away I said a silent prayer that only you could hear In my mind I wondered why Why did you have to die? I touched your name and I could hear you telling me not to question why I can still hear your voice in my heart You're telling me that there is no time nor place that can ever break us apart I'm sorry that I could not stay But I promise that I will be back to see you again on another day Madelyn 29 Sep 2007 Jack: I went back to see you again today I told you I would be back on another day I talked to you as if you were there It really is too emotional to bear I miss you and all the good times we knew I'm sorry that they could not continue So I said a silent prayer that only you could hear I'll hold all my memories so dear Eventually I start to shed a tear So, again I must be strong, because it is time to go I'll say Bye for now and I will be back again just to let you know Madelyn Best friends and schoolmates, Madelyn Robertson robertson494@yahoo.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall Bravo and Delta Companies of the 1st Bn, 1st Marines were allotted to Operation UNION on 12 May under OPCON of the 5th Marines, returning on 16 May. During the four-day period the two companies accounted for 137 VC killed and captured 3 POWs - but they also lost five Marines and four Navy Corpsmen: B Co, 1st Bn, 1st Marines: Cpl John H. Simpson, Loudon, TN LCpl Reimundo Aguilar, San Antonio, TX LCpl David C. Borey, Pittsfield, MA LCpl Joaquim V. Rebelo, Newark, NJ (Silver Star) Pfc Fred L. Hottinger, San Jose, CA H&S Co, 1st Bn, 1st Marines: HM2 Anthony W. Key, Houston, TX HM3 Robert E. Burns, South Attleboro, MA HM3 David L. Cooper, Milwaukie, OR HN David N. Cummings, Rogue River, OR

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a friend and schoolmate, Madelyn Robertson robertson494@yahoo.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 05 Dec 2006
Last updated 02/22/2008