About Us

Our Uncle Rudy legally immigrated to Harlingen, Texas from Monterrey, Mexico in 1955 with his family. He excelled in school and graduated from Harlingen High School in 1964. Shortly after graduation, he volunteered for the Vietnam War to fight for this country. In return for his service, Uncle Rudy relied on the G.I. Bill to pursue his college education.

Cpl. Rodolfo M. Gonzalez served as a Huey helicopter door gunner with the highly decorated Marine Observation Squadron Six (VMO-6). On November 14, 1966—just days before his return home—he accepted one last rescue and recovery flight. He chose to remain in the air to earn extra hazardous duty pay to support his family. Several comrades recall pleading with him to stand down and stay safe. Tragically, his duffel bag had already shipped to our grandparents, followed by a knock at the door from uniformed CACO officers delivering heartbreaking news.

Brothers Gerardo and Rodolfo Gonzalez, as first-generation Americans, have actively pursued Uncle Rudy’s posthumous citizenship since a 2012 interview with his last surviving sibling, Frances Garza (Gonzalez). The brothers have since participated in VMO-6 reunions, produced a documentary, and created a digital archive in his honor. Rodolfo is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, while Gerardo has dedicated decades to working as a network television cameraman.

IN CLOSING: We fervently pray for our Uncle Rudy to be formally recognized with posthumous citizenship. His life was tragically cut short in Vietnam while flying into hostile fire to save fellow Americans. We ask for your support in honoring his ultimate sacrifice by helping us fulfill his dream—and our family’s dream—of granting him posthumous citizenship.

This may be our final opportunity, as Uncle Rudy’s sister Frances is now in her 70s.

On behalf of the Texas-based Gonzalez-Garza family, thank you for your time, compassion, and action.

Semper Fidelis,

Rodolfo Gonzalez | Gerardo Gonzalez

Website: www.UncleRudy.net