SP5 Jose Ramirez joined the Army Oct 23, 1968. In May of 1969 he was sent to the Republic of Vietnam  and was assigned to the 7th Armored Squadron of the 1st Air Cavalry – Black Hawks – as a Crew Chief and mechanic. There he flew missions as a door Gunner. Their job was to interdict supplies and troops crossing the border. In Jan 1971 they assisted the ARVN 9th division in rescuing a beleaguered Special Forces team at Ta Bec Mountain. SGT Ramirez was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Air Medal.