Gene Flores Estepa

Gene was born on December 31, 1933 to Quirino and Gregoria Estepa in Sison, Pangasinan, Philippines. He grew up in Pasay City, Philippines most of his life.

When he was in his second year of college studying aeronautical engineering at Feati University, he made a career move to enlist in the United States Navy on October 24, 1954. While he was working as a sailor, he developed his God given talents as a boxer and learned to play the ukulele and guitar. Gene was also a talented singer and dancer. Gene eventually earned the rank of EM2 (Electrician’s Mate). While stationed at Yokosuka Japan, Gene became a student of Karate and earned the rank of green belt.

Gene married Madeline Flores and they were together for 48 years. Gene and Madeline had three sons, Kenneth, Michael and Mandel. He is a loving father in law to Sara (Ken) and Aurora (Mike) and as a wonderful grandfather to Athena and Naomi (Mike & Aurora) and Matthew, Alexander and Santiago (Ken & Sara). Gene was a faithful husband, good father and generous brother. He was very kind to his siblings. He would always support his older sister Sol (RIP) and her family in the Philippines.

Gene was a Vietnam War Veteran and was very proud of his service. He always wore his ACU 1 hat. He was deployed in Daning Hue, Dong Ha, Chu Lai, Phu Bai, DML, and Cua Viet in 1967-1969. Gene was assigned to LCU 1500, 1616, 1617, and 1624. While Gene was on R&R in the Philippines, a Viet Cong missile hit his assault craft utility which was carrying ammunitions and weapons. All 13 crew members perished. Gene and family would faithfully attend the Annual Memorial Service for the Landing Craft Utility 1500 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado every year until this year when he got sick. When the organizer of the Memorial Service learned about his illness, Officer NW Fugate, Commander US Navy, Commanding Officer Assault Craft Unit 1 Representative presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Gene at our home and had a short ceremony with the presence of Gene’s family and friends. Gene was very excited and grateful. The Certificate of Appreciation embodied words of gratitude to Gene’s service to his country and his outstanding efforts and dedication in participating in the operation against the Viet Cong and the Republic of Vietnam.

Gene was also recognized for his heroic performance on October 18, 1969 when a helicopter carrying paratroopers burst into flame and sunk in 15 feet of water. Gene helped in putting out the fire to minimize danger on the escape route for the paratroopers. He also assisted in pulling out the survivors from the burning water and helped salvage the helicopter. Recognition was given by John Hyland, Admiral US Navy. Gene was awarded by the Secretary of the Navy from June 1 until September 20, 1969 a Unit Commendation for Combat Operations Against the Viet cong. The Amphibious Ready Group ALPHA conducted this operation with bold pursuit, mighty play, and defiant stand against the Viet Cong. This operation resulted in significant enemy casualties, capture, and destruction of distribution of ammunition and food supplies. On August 30, 1969, Gene was given a letter of gratitude from Admiral John McCain Sr for helping in the preparation of a program to honor and entertain Admiral McCain and his wife during a tour in Hawaii.

When Gene retired from the Navy, he moved his family from Hawaii to San Diego and continued his federal service at the Port of Tecate as a custodian and then as an electrician at the General Service Administration. After his dedication to civil service, Gene retired in 1995. Gene continued being the “electrician handyman” volunteering his services to various family members and friends. Gene was a faithful husband, loving father and playful grandfather. Gene was hardworking and sacrificed a lot for his family. While his wife was getting her Masters’ degree, he was the only sole provider the family.

We are thankful for God blessing us with him and we know because of God’s promise we will see Gene again. We love you now and forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse samaritanspurse.org