MISSION, RGV – Veterans groups along with Mission city officials and residents honored Vietnam war hero Noe Magallan on Veteran’s Day.
Sgt. Noe Magallan, a Mission native, was killed in action on Sept. 23, 1966, aged 32. He had a street named after him today.
“It was a great honor to be part of the street renaming for our Vietnam war hero Sgt. Noe Magallan. I am so proud of our Mission community, said Mission Mayor Armando O’Caña.
“This is what Memorial Day is all about,” City of Mission’s Facebook page stated. “We had an incredible turnout for the touching tribute in honor of Sgt. Noe Magallan. A street in Mission was renamed in his honor.
It was the ideal way to remember our serviceman who answered America’s call to service and paid the ultimate price.”
Sgt. Magallan is remembered on the HonorStates.org website. The website says Magallan was born on August 29, 1934. He had enlisted in the Army and served during the Vietnam War. He began his tour on December 19, 1965 and rose to the rank of Sergeant. His specialty was Radio Teletypewriter Operator and his ervice number was 25971991. He served with 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, Headquarters Troop.
Magallan died during hostile action in South Vietnam’s Quang Tin province. He is memorialized at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen and is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 11e, Line 3.
Elected officials and community leaders from across South Texas have been offering their tributes to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“Please take a moment this Memorial Day to say a prayer and honor the great courage, valor, and selfless sacrifice of those who made it possible for us to enjoy the gifts of a free society. Semper Fi,” said state Sen. Juan Hinojosa. Hinojosa, like Magallan a Mission native, served in Vietnam.
State Rep. R.D. ‘Bobby’ Guerra of McAllen said: “On this Memorial Day we honor the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo said: “Today we honor all the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation. We encourage you to reflect on the lives of these service members and remember all they have given to this country.”
State Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., of Brownsville said: “Please take a moment today to remember that many brave men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.”
State Sen. José Menéndez of San Antonio said: “We reverently pause this Memorial Day to honor the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to serve our country. In their honor, it is fitting that we must support our deserving veterans who have answered the call of duty and put their lives in harm’s way to defend our Nation’s freedom.
“We owe it to all the brave and selfless individuals who have fought for a cause greater than themselves by providing meaningful changes and access to care that will help improve their lives. This is why I have worked hard to help pass legislation which will give our heroes and their families the support they need, and the gratitude they deserve.”
Lizette Davis of the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans & Families, said: “Across the United States people are paying tribute to our fallen heroes on this Memorial Day. May we always remember their sacrifice and honor their memories every day. They will not be forgotten. To all our Veterans, active duty service members and their families who sacrifice to protect the freedom we enjoy, thank you for all you do.”
U.S. Rep. Will Hurd of San Antonio said: “With Fort Bliss to the West, Joint Base San Antonio to the East and Laughlin Air Force Bae in between, the 23rd Congressional District of Texas has a special relationship with our nation’s military.
“For many people in my district, remembering the fallen doesn’t just happen one day of the year. For these folks, every day is a reminder of the parent, child, or brother or sister in arms that traded their life to fulfill an oath to the United States of America. The impact of a life lost too soon does not end for these families once the three-day weekend is over. They continue on without a loving mother, a father to play catch with or a brother to have their back,” Hurd said.
“Have a fun and safe Memorial Day today, and I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the price that many families have had to pay.”
Editor’s Note: The main image accompanying the above news story, along with the photos in the slideshow, are provided courtesy of the City of Mission.
