The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Jaime Parrilla-Calderon, who died in the service of his country on August 4th, 1967 in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Booby Trap While Exploring Tunnel. At the time of his death Jaime was 20 years of age. He was from Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Jaime is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 24E, Line 78.
The decorations earned by SP4 Jaime Parrilla-Calderon include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
On April 1967,I arrived at Viet Nam like many young men to assume the responsibility when entering in the Army.When arrived to Pleiku, was among others puertorricans, Jaime Parrilla.During the time we were together,he taught us how to fight that war.Because Jaime and I lived on neighbors towns, we developed a great friendship.On many battles,he demostrated fully gallantry and courage.Never had fear.
When I"m writing these words, comes to my mind what happened on August,4,1967.We were moving to a village like many others.Once we were close to it,Jaime entered by the right flank and I moved on the left.Shortly, on Jaimes way,I heard an a explosion.Jaime got badly wounded . As soon as the helicopter arrived,I carry him to it.Jaime did not make it.
I know he rest peacefully.
Roberto Albandoz
Buried at CEMENTERIO MUNICIPAL DE RIO GRANDE, RIO GRANDE PR
(His BSV Citation)
General Orders 3167, 4th Infantry Division, 1 October 1967
For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 August 1967, Specialist Four Parrilla distinguished himself while serving as an Infantryman in Company A, 2nd/ 35th Infantry, conducting a search and destroy operation near Duc Pho. Specialist Four Parrillas squad had been instructed to deploy along a hedgerow adjacent to a village that the platoon was going to search. As he and the other members of the squad approached the hedgerow, they spotted an enemy position and promptly engaged and eliminated the occupants. Specialist Four Parrilla
and a comrade went on further to search the area and ensure that it was clear. They were approaching the position when other well-concealed enemy forces opened fire. Shouting a warning to his comrades, Specialist Four Parrilla moved out in the open with another man in an attempt to divert the enemy fire away from the rest of the squad. He was mortally wounded by an enemy grenade, but his heroic efforts enabled the rest of the squad to attack and destroy the enemy without further loss of life. Specialist Four Parrillas self-sacrificing devotion to duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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