Reynaldo Balli Garza

Reynaldo Balli Garza was born and raised in Alamo, Texas. He was one of six brothers and a sister. He attended the P.S.J.A. schools in his early life.

On December 12th of 1966, he volunteered for the U.S. Army and did his training at Fort Polk, La. After he completed his training he received his orders to Vietnam. He arrived there on March of 1967 and was assigned to the 551st Transportation Battalion with the ammunition haulers providing fire power to the infantry units. Having only six months left on his tour, he volunteered to the 25th Infantry Division with the 2/27th Charlie Company Wolfhounds. He fought through the Tet Offensive of 1968 and two more offensives. After finishing his tour, he returned to the U.S.A to be assigned with the 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels” at Fort Hood, Texas. He was assigned as an Armored Personnel Carrier driver, which did a lot of training with the infantry. He had one year left to finish his service and decided volunteer for a 2nd tour to Vietnam again. When he arrived in Vietnam, he requested to be assigned as a helicopter door gunner. His request was honored and was given orders to be with the 192nd Assault Helicopter 10th combat Battalion 1st Aviation Brigade. He took LRRP’s also known as Long Range Recon Patrol with the 1st/75 Rangers, on insertion and extractions at night and days. In his last 5 months of his 2nd tour and service time of 3 years he volunteered to continue with the LRRP’s. On his last tour, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal., Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Citation, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 12, 1969.

Sergeant Reynaldo Balli Garza was proud to have served his country courageously and to this day he says he will do whatever it takes to defend his country just like all brave soldiers do.