Arthur John Ramirez

Art was born near Bloomington, Texas on his father’s small farm. Raised in the Country. He learned to use a weapon safely and well. Enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in June of 1967. On December 7 of that year arrived in-country and assigned to Kilo Co. 3rd REGMT, Third MarDiv. He learned to walk point by mid-February 1968. Three walked point on a rotation basis. The Tet Offensive had begun on the first of that month. Later that month, while on a platoon size patrol they were ambushed, losing 12KIA, 17WIA and 1 MIA. On July 5, 1968 he got his first Purple Heart from Shrapnel Off a Chicom Grenade at a place named Dai Do. Two weeks later, Art was back on Point. On August 27th, on top of a granite hill known as the Rockpile. He earned his second Purple Heart. Arthur served 13 months of active duty service; he attained the rank of Sergeant. The following 23 months were spent at U.S. Naval Hospital in Japan, Guam and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged on January 5 1970 with a 50% disability rating. Art served under leadership that dedicated itself to mission accomplishment and the welfare of its Marines. As most of them were wounded, they lost many shoulder to shoulder comrades. He was Beholden to these comrades, their courage and their sacrifice. He was proud to have honorably served our corps and our country.

Arthur John Ramirez, of Victoria, Texas passed away January 2016. He was born in Placado, Texas August 11, 1947. Art had a very deep love and appreciation for his involvement in serving the U.S. Marine Corps. He was survived by his brother Sal Ramirez; foster children Jeremy Padron and Roger Padron, six grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; pallbearers Marcus Ramirez, Chris Ramirez, Rene Ramirez, Jesse Ramirez, Richard Ramirez, Joe David Ortiz; honorary pallbearers Military Order of the Purple Heart, Marine Corps League Brazoria County and Marine Corps League Victoria County. Art is preceded death by his parents Manuel and Carolina Ramirez; Sisters Helen R. Alavardo and Lupe R. Balbora; Brothers Jesse Ramirez and Eddie Ramirez. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Texas 77038. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 15, 2016 at 9:00am with interment to follow at Houston National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 402 S. Main Street, Victoria, Texas 77901.