| SFC Paul
Herman Villarosa was born on Sept 7, 1928. He served 4 years in the
US Navy. During the Korea Conflict he received a Presidential Citation
for having sent and received messages under fire. After a brief period
of civilian life, Paul answered the call to duty again and in 1960 and
joined the US Army. After Basic, AIT and Airborne school , he
volunteered for the Green Berets US Army Special Forces. He was assigned
to Ft Bragg NC where he finished his selection process training and
completed his Radio MOS training and was assigned to Train Green Berets
as a member of the US Army Special Forces Training Group. He was a
Legend at Ft Bragg, said to be able to copy 20 words a minute in each
ear. He completed Ranger school in 1964 and later that year served is
first tour of Vietnam as an advisor and member of a Special Forces A
Team. He returned back to Ft Bragg and resumed his superior knowledge of
sending code and teaching Green Berets.
In 1967, Paul Volunteered again for
Vietnam. This was his 3rd Tour. He was assigned to CCN Special
Operations Group 5th Special Forces FOB4 Recon Tm leader “Intruder”. He
was KIA on Jan 4, 1968 in Laos while on a long range reconnaissance
patrol. He was awarded the Nations 2nd highest award (Distinguished
Service Cross). The Citation is as follows…
For extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed
hostile force in the republic of Vietnam: SFC Villarosa
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 January
1968 while leading a Special Forces long range reconnaissance patrol
on a mission in enemy controlled territory. As his team moved
through the jungle, it became apparent to him that an enemy force
was attempting to flank his team. SFC Villarosa halted his team and
was preparing to establish communications with HQ when the hidden
hostile force ordered his men to throw down their weapons and
surrender. Acting quickly, he directed his men to withdraw to more
defensible positions while he remained behind to cover their
movement. The enemy launched a vicious assault using automatic
weapons, grenades and a flamethrower., but SFC Villarosa stood his
ground despite the savage fusillade and delivered withering fire on
the advancing insurgents which slowed their progress and allowed his
men to set up secure defensive perimeter. He was mortally wounded
while gallantly and selflessly defending his fellow soldiers in the
heat of battle. SFC Villarosa extraordinary heroism and devotion to
duty, at the coast of his life were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
SFC Villarosa’s widow Louise Villarosa
resides in Dahlonega, GA, as does her son Thomas Joyner, who was a past
Instructor here at the Mountain Ranger Camp.
Submitted by Thomas Joyner |
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