{"id":128727,"date":"2024-02-28T07:22:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T08:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=128727"},"modified":"2024-02-28T21:33:58","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T21:33:58","slug":"never-retired-the-unwavering-heart-of-a-korean-and-vietnam-war-veteran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=128727","title":{"rendered":"Never Retired: The Unwavering Heart of a Korean and Vietnam War Veteran"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n
\n
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — <\/span><\/p>\n

The 92-year-old Jacksonville, North Carolina resident laid his head down on his pillow as thoughts roamed through his head, as they had for over 50 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2026 I went through all that misery and never got hit,\u201d he thought to himself as his eyes gradually started to close.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, somebody got to do it,\u201d declared retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos, a former infantry unit leader and decorated combat veteran. \u201cIf you don\u2019t do it, someone is gonna put those kids out and do it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not many people can say they know someone who\u2019s fought in war three times. To say you have been through three whole tours in two different wars is a rare feat. His dedication to his patriotic and selfless values is something only a natural leader would feel strongly enough about to willingly put themselves through numerous battles and 20 years of service.<\/p>\n

Ramos is a man of average height and build with a calm demeanor, warm smile, kind eyes, and neat white facial hair. His short white sideburns sit underneath a favorite hat he frequently wears with Marine Corps insignia and words of veteran pride, \u201cnever retired.\u201d His old age hasn\u2019t changed his attitude on life. He continues to advise others to stay healthy and exercise. His motto, according to his daughter, is to always be positive and don’t let things bother you.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the way it is,\u201d Ramos said calmly. The wind passes by, life goes on, he says. \u201cServing, it makes you feel good. You get to be proud of something for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

“The Marine Corps is a fighting unit no matter where we would be on the globe” Staff Sgt. Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos, a former infantry unit leader and decorated combat veteran<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One day in 1951, Ramos received a letter in the mail to his home in Puerto Rico. The letter contained the news that he was to be drafted into the armed forces to fight. Some men may have been concerned or unwilling to leave, with accounts of citizens going so far as to injure themselves to avoid having to experience combat. Ramos, on the other hand, felt honored and happy to serve his country. He chose to put himself in the boots of the Marine Corps to carry out his service, he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need the Marines to fight a war? The Marine Corps was always ahead of the call,\u201d said Ramos. \u201cThe Marine Corps is a fighting unit no matter where we would be on the globe.\u201d<\/p>\n

And around the globe, he was sent. During his time on active duty, he spent time in Hawaii, California, North and South Carolina, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and Naples, Italy, where he met his wife.<\/p>\n

The Marine Corps instilled tangible and intangible benefits and values in Ramos.<\/p>\n

He said he believes a theme in his contribution to the battles he fought was “doing the right thing”.<\/p>\n

“Don\u2019t do to others as you don\u2019t do for you. Always help your fellow man. You happen to be the person they need to help, and you can help, then help them. I’ve always been that way. It\u2019s just a fact of life, you help others, and the mighty Lord will protect and guide you. Life goes on,” he said, acceptance and a positive tone ringing through his words.<\/p>\n

Ramos learned true compassion and perseverance through the hard truths that intrinsically came with the responsibility of being a Marine infantry unit leader.<\/p>\n

“As a staff non-commissioned officer, you’re doing more than your capacity sometimes. You train to take the next job. Commander, you know. Let\u2019s say, for instance, one of my officers gets shot somewhere, then it is my duty to go on with it and accomplish the mission regardless,” he said.<\/p>\n

Ramos believes that working hard and taking responsibility are important for leaders.<\/p>\n

“When you start doing a job, it’s not a job, but it\u2019s something you must do. Why should I ask you to do it when I could do it myself? Because you’re passionate about it. If you’re gonna do it, do it right. You don\u2019t want someone else to deal with your mess. You’ll be happy and I’ll be happy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

In addition to his memories of the tough responsibilities that come with being a Marine, Ramos has many memories of the experiences and laughs he shared with friends. He can fondly picture these moments as if they were yesterday.<\/p>\n

\u201cGetting on the airplane to depart, settling down after reaching a certain altitude,\u201d he described. \u201cI liked sitting in the back of the aircraft wing, flying over Naples. I enjoyed it, my life. Serving [in the Marine Corps], it\u2019s something you never forget,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

“I can feel a pat on the back still and hear, ‘Ramos? Where you been all this doggone time?\u2019” Ramos laughed.<\/p>\n

When asked about contacting his old friends he said, “Well… sometimes, it becomes memories, and you never forget those. Remains in your mind. I prayed for them when they go to the place where they are, protected by the Lord. Sometimes you lose your buddies and you don\u2019t get to see them again. How they say, ‘life goes on,'” he hummed as his tone lowered subtly.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos<\/span>
\n Photo by Lance Cpl. Loriann Dauscher<\/span><\/p>\n
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos, a former infantry unit leader and decorated combat veteran, poses for a photo at his home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2023. 92-year-old Gonzales-Ramos was drafted from Cidra, Puerto Rico in 1951 and served in the Korean War and Vietnam War during his 20 years of honorable service in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Loriann Dauscher)<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Though Ramos enjoyed going around the world back then, today he prefers where his family and home are. He said he is not interested in traveling back to Korea or Vietnam and that these places will remain the same for him.<\/p>\n

Ramos’ family is still close to this day.<\/p>\n

“Leaving them behind, you don\u2019t know when you\u2019re going to see them again. Don\u2019t forget who you love…Everything we did we did together as a family,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

His daughter Antonietta recalled a memory of her father departing to Vietnam when they lived in Jacksonville.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I was around 10 or 11 years old at the time,\u201d she said. \u201cHe had sunglasses on; he didn\u2019t want us to see him crying. Tears were falling down from behind his glasses.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the hardest times, Ramos said praying was an anchor and always will be, even today. He recalled praying as he lay on the ground in Vietnam, far from home. The starry sky painted over Ramos; he spoke to God as a spiritual refuge from the stressors of combat that rattled him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are many ways you can find where you can pray. It helps you through the day and night. You include who you love,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

“Leaving them behind, you don\u2019t know when you\u2019re going to see them again. Don\u2019t forget who you love…Everything we did we did together as a family” Staff Sgt. Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos, a former infantry unit leader and decorated combat veteran.<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ramos\u2019 ribbons and medals reflect his illustrious 20-year career. The colorful decorations pinned to his uniform, his \u201cstack\u201d as Marines call it colloquially, serve as bookmarks in the library of memories and challenges he went through. Among them, Ramos earned the Bronze Star Medal with a Combat \u201cV\u201d device (the fourth highest military decoration for valor), one Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (VCoG) with a silver star, and one with a palm (the highest degree), a Good Conduct Medal with six stars, a Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat \u201cV\u201d device, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Vietnamese Service Ribbon with three stars, a Navy Unit Citation with a star, a National Defense Medal with a star, a Korean Service Medal with two stars, a United Nation\u2019s Medal, a Korean Presidential Unit Citation Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with (1960-) Device, and a Presidential Unit Citation before being merited an honorable discharge. These medals signify a quiet, but bursting due respect and are a visual representation of his ethical code, morals and virtues. A tale about a warrior, who, in this case, survived to tell it.<\/p>\n

Ramos is particularly proud of being awarded the VCoG. The medal was created in 1950 to honor service members and civilians who carried out acts of heroism and valor in combat with the enemy. South Vietnam awarded it to each allied nation that supported them during the war.<\/p>\n

Sophisticated golden yellow stripes weave through the Old Glory red ribbon that holds up the medal in acclaim. The golden Celtic cross is sat on top of a wreath, with two swords crossed between the arms. The outline of Vietnam and the words \u201cQUOC-GIA LAO-TUONG”, meaning \u201creward of the state\u201d, are inscribed in the center.<\/p>\n

Ramos reminisced on the moment in combat that earned him the VCoG. Tears welled in his eyes as his choking up made it hard to complete sentences, but he continued pouring his heart out.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of my men got shot, I dragged him away…” he said.<\/p>\n

His daughter asked if reliving it was too much for him. He gave a firm but respectful \u201cno\u201d and continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnemy sniper fire was out there. Where he was going he could no longer proceed. That\u2019s why you must do this\u2026happening fast and seeing your buddy falling down and nothing you can do, no medic. I dragged him away, and saved this young man’s life,” Ramos said.<\/p>\n

“Some people die and some live, just a fact of life. You’re here today, you’re there tomorrow,” he said.<\/p>\n

Ramos continuously emphasizes how much respect and credit that Navy Corpsmen deserve. They teach how to save lives and help your fellow man, he said, and are unsung heroes of war to him.<\/p>\n

“Corpsmen in the Navy are very essential. In combat zones, bleeding, they patch you up, apply tourniquets, no matter where the place may be. Put you on the Navy ship. I remember there was always a ship out there (for us),\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos<\/span>
\n Photo by Lance Cpl. Loriann Dauscher<\/span><\/p>\n
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos, a former infantry unit leader and decorated combat veteran, poses for a photo with his certificate of retirement at his home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2023. 92-year-old Gonzales-Ramos was drafted from Cidra, Puerto Rico in 1951 and served in the Korean War and Vietnam War during his 20 years of honorable service in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Loriann Dauscher)<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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In an ever-changing social and political landscape, one can question what patriotism truly means. Ramos is just as much of a poster boy as the one hanging in recruiting offices today. The Marines that Ramos found so sparkling in his eyes in the 1950s; tough, selfless men marching proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing so energetic in my early life,\u201d he said, \u201cI saw those guys dressed up in blues and going to parades and I knew, that\u2019s what I want to do. To be faithful to my country and love the uniform that I wear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ramos believes that as long as the training remains sufficient, the Marines of today still sustain our role as the finest fighting force in the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cMarines today, with the right training, are still the same,\u201d he said. \u201cYou take him as your man because he\u2019s new, he doesn\u2019t know what he\u2019s facing. He\u2019s becoming part of the team. You look out for yourself as well as you look for your buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

A lot of young Marines approach him and commend him for his service.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember they saw your hat on your head in the mall,\u201d his daughter said to him.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a shining light of pride when these young Marines come up to him, but he wishes they thought more seriously about the implications of what their ultimate duty entails and to never take it lightly, he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the mall, this kid, he was so happy,\u201d said Ramos. \u201cHe has a family, a wife and kid. He was so happy because they were sending him away where bombs were going off. Who is happy to put themselves through that? Where innocent people are getting killed, losing their lives for no meaning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFighting in a doggone tunnel, trying to protect yourself,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s not life down that tunnel. People on that side are gonna stop you. Who\u2019s gonna give you first aid in that particular moment?\u201d<\/p>\n

His piece of advice for the current generation of Marines is that he never wishes anyone to look forward to combat. Marines have a reputation for being confident and boisterous, nothing can top them. While it is their ultimate purpose to kill those trying to kill U.S. citizens or their allies, the line of satisfaction may be blurred. Ramos thinks Marines today need not dip into the insanity of looking forward to the day when you may never return.<\/p>\n

His prayers and condolences go to the people in current wars. He\u2019s never been about the slaying of the innocent but for justice and self-defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now you look at television and you see all these things going on. People killing people for no reason. That\u2019s not the way the Lord wanted it. The Lord gave you life, you take care of that and treat others how you like to be treated,\u201d Ramos said.<\/p>\n

One could gather that an older gentleman who has been in his shoes would be one to want to share his story with everyone, but Ramos prefers to remain humble.<\/p>\n

“I know what I’ve done, why need to tell everyone about it? They tell their story and you tell yours. Just don\u2019t brag about it, stay humble,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what you\u2019ve done. And you\u2019re proud of it. That person has never been there. How can they judge you? They wanna talk about it, they can talk all they want,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos<\/span>
\n Photo by Lance Cpl. Loriann Dauscher<\/span><\/p>\n
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ismael Gonzalez-Ramos, a former infantry unit leader and decorated combat veteran, holds his Bronze Star medal with a combat action \u201cV\u201d device, an award for valor and heroism in combat, at his home in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2023. 92-year-old Gonzales-Ramos was drafted from Cidra, Puerto Rico in 1951 and served in the Korean War and Vietnam War during his 20 years of honorable service in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Loriann Dauscher)<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Does Ramos believe he was born to be a Marine?<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, absolutely,\u201d he said with a calm and sure demeanor like it was a silly thing for him to even question.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter what you\u2019re always a Marine, and you conduct yourself like one,\u201d he said with certainty.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp others, not thinking of getting something in the back end, but because your heart tells you it\u2019s the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

His faith enduring, Ramos is an embodiment of the motto, “Semper Fidelis.”<\/p>\n

\u201cLife is what you make of it,\u201d he said. \u201cLike you\u2019re on the Eiffel Tower, looking from up there and you see the bottom. You see everything you\u2019ve done or that you\u2019ve never done before. I realized, there\u2019s always a solution to everything in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ramos expressed gratitude to those interested in his journey and for the opportunity to be interviewed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen heading to bed at night, I can think, \u2018I\u2019m satisfied\u2019,\u201d said Ramos.<\/p>\n

The obstacles he struggled through don\u2019t serve as mental torment today. His mental and spiritual peace allows him to feel pride instead, helping Ramos to rest easy knowing he has lived a righteous life.<\/p>\n

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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The 92-year-old Jacksonville, North Carolina resident laid his head down on his pillow as thoughts roamed through his head, as they had for over 50 years. \u201cHow\u2026 I went through all that misery and never got hit,\u201d he thought to himself as his eyes gradually started to close. \u201cWell, somebody got to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":128729,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-128727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128727","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=128727"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128727\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":128730,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128727\/revisions\/128730"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/128729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=128727"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=128727"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=128727"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}