About Us

Brothers Gerardo “Gerry” Gonzalez and Rodolfo “Rudy” Gonzalez are first-generation Americans and the nephews of Cpl. Rodolfo “Uncle Rudy” M. Gonzalez, a United States Marine who was killed in action in Vietnam on November 14, 1966.

Their journey began in 2012, during a filmed interview with Uncle Rudy’s sister, Frances Garza Gonzalez—the family’s last surviving sibling. That conversation revealed a painful truth: although Uncle Rudy served and sacrificed his life for the United States, 

he never had the opportunity to complete his journey to American citizenship.

Since then, Gerry and Rudy have worked to preserve Uncle Rudy’s story, document the history of Marine Observation Squadron 6, 

reunite with the Marines who served alongside him, build a family and military archive, 

and pursue the posthumous citizenship recognition he earned through his service and sacrifice.

Together, they founded The Uncle Rudy Legacy Project™ to ensure that Uncle Rudy’s courage, humanity, and unfinished story are never forgotten.

Gerardo “Gerry” Gonzalez

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Gerry is a veteran network television photojournalist and cameraman whose career has been devoted 

to documenting history and telling the stories of others.

He leads the Legacy Project’s historical research, interviews, documentary development, public outreach, advocacy, 

and continuing effort to secure posthumous United States citizenship for Uncle Rudy. Gerry has also helped preserve the 

personal accounts of the Marines, family members, and friends whose memories bring Uncle Rudy’s story to life.

For Gerry, this mission is both deeply personal and larger than one family. It is about honoring a young Marine 

who gave everything for his country and making certain that America completes his unfinished story.

Rodolfo “Rudy” Gonzalez

Co-Founder & Director of Photography and Visual Archives

Rudy is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to visual storytelling and historical documentation.

He directs the Legacy Project’s photography and visual archives, helping preserve the family photographs, military records, reunions, interviews, and historical materials connected to Uncle Rudy and the Marines of VMO-6. His work ensures that this history is not only protected, but presented with the dignity, accuracy, and humanity it deserves.

Named for the uncle he never had the opportunity to know, Rudy helps carry forward Uncle Rudy’s name and legacy for future generations.

Our Mission

Through historical research, documentary storytelling, public education, and family advocacy, 

The Uncle Rudy Legacy Project™ seeks to:

Honor Cpl. Rodolfo M. Gonzalez and the Marines who served beside him.

Preserve their photographs, documents, and firsthand accounts.

Complete Uncle Rudy’s journey to posthumous United States citizenship.

Ensure that his service, sacrifice, and story are never forgotten.

Honor His Sacrifice. Complete His Story.