Robert John Silva, K/75 Ranger, KIA Nov 27, 1969

Robert John Silva

PFC – U.S. Army
4th Infantry Division – Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry
9 May 1951 – 27 November 1969
Somerville, Massachusetts
Panel 16W – Line 127

Silva Grave Marker

MILITARY DATA

Service:               Army (Regular)

Grade at loss:   E3

Rank:                     Private First Class

ID No:                   021406709

MOS:                       05B2P: Radio Operator (Airborne Qual)

Len Svc:               1 year

Unit:                     Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry

CASUALTY DATA

Start Tour:         10/14/1969

Cas Date:             11/27/1969

Age at Loss:       18

Remains:               Body recovered

Location:             Pleiku Province, South Vietnam

Type:                     Hostile, died of wounds, ground casualty

Reason:                 Other explosive device

AWARDS

Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge

Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, DOW.

GRAVESITE

Somerville Veterans Cemetery, Somerville, Massachusetts

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Link to Remembrances:    

https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/47479/ROBERT-J-SILVA

https://www.thewall-usa.com/guest.asp?recid=47481

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Michael L. Ward   —   April 3, 2013

I was in Nam in 68,69,70, and 71. HHC 1st Bde. LRRP’s and then in Kco. Rangers. I know Mark Estopar and have seen him twice since I’ve been back. Serve with him not only in Kco. but also Hco. Rangers. I also served in Fco. Rangers. My team and I were replaced by another Ranger team on the 27, of November,1969. On the way back to Camp Enari I was making contact to the team on the ground, when the TL said they had two casualties and needed a medivac. WE were closer to them so I ask the chopper pilot if we could pick them up, we did.

Sp/4 Kennith James Smolarek was already dead before we arrived at 71st Evac and Robert John Silva died later.

You are always in my thoughts

on 6/8/14 – by Phillip Garrison

Bobby your life ended to soon you deserved to see your son I need to say how sorry I am .If your family reads this i need them to contact me so i can tell them what happened that day so long ago but still fresh in my mind like it just happened. I live it over and over again in my mind and i need to let them know. Please if anyone reads this please contact me .

Neighbors and Friends.

on 5/26/00 – by Joseph L. Mannone — TenPointer00@aol.com

Bobby, so many years, so many tears ! You were not only a neighbor but a childhood friend. You are truely missed. Rest in peace my friend for you have earned your eternal sleep. No man can be expected to give more. You made us all sad by leaving but proud. We thank you for your sacrifice. You will not be forgotten !!!!

Joseph L. Mannone, Sgt, USMC retired.