Here's one monument that won't be coming down for a while.
News Radio 1200 WOAI reports Bexar County today erected a new memorial near the Courthouse downtown, to honor all Bexar County residents who have received the Legislative Medal of Honor, the top award for heroism that the state can bestow.
One of those immortalized is U.S. Marine Sergeant Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez, who was killed in action in Vietnam at the age of 21.
His friend John Durham was there to accept the plaque.
"This is an exciting moment," he said. "I am so sorry that his mother isn't here. We tried to get her here."
Durham says his friend was a true hero. He also received the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroism during the Battle of Hue.
"The sad part, I have to reflect that there are a lot of mothers and fathers and sisters who ended up with nothing but a body bag."
Here is Sgt. Gonzalez Medal of Honor citation:Rank and organization:
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF.Place and date: Near Thua Thien, Republic of Vietnam, 4 February 1968.
Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex.
Born: 23 May 1946, Edinburg Tex.
Citation :For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon commander, 3d Platoon, Company A.
On 31 January 1968, during the initial phase of Operation Hue City, Sgt. Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction force and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city.
While moving by truck convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of Lang Van Lrong, the Marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sgt. Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the Marines in his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire. One of the Marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed position.
With complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade. He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded Marine to a covered position for treatment.
Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from a fortified machine gun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily halted. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sgt. Gonzalez exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering rice paddy to a dike directly across from the bunker.
Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades.
Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, he steadfastly refused medical treatment and continued to supervise his men and lead the attack. On 4 February, the enemy had again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire.
Sgt. Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons, fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified enemy emplacements.
He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded.
The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sgt. Gonzalez reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.