LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Just a few months before his death, Vietnam veteran Ronald Benigo honored others who fought and died in the Vietnam War. The Marine paid respects to a fallen comrade, Thomas J. Holden, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
Now, people are remembering Benigo after his recent passing.
“We salute you, sir, and are very grateful we were able to honor you, your service, and your birthday on our last flight. Our thoughts are with Veteran Benigo’s family. We thank them for allowing us to honor him one more time,” read a post on the Honor Flight Southern Nevada Facebook page.
Captain Benigo traveled on the April Honor Flight Southern Nevada mission to Washington, D.C. Valley veterans toured war memorials. Benigo also placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Ronald Benigo received a Bronze Star for his heroic actions in combat and earned a Purple Heart. Benigo talked to FOX5, also on the trip, about one of his injuries.
“I got shot in the head,” said Benigo.
The platoon leader says that was just one incident where he was close to dying.
“There were several,” said Benigo.
He talked to FOX5 about a time he was standing with his commanding officer when they were ambushed. He said they saw the heat trail of a bullet that zipped right between them.
“Thirteen months of complete boredom broken up by occasional terror,” said Benigo.
Ronald Benigo says he was surprised by the many people who showed up at Harry Reid Airport to welcome the group back home.
“What a terrific welcome home. What a terrific welcome home. I’m teary-eyed,” he said at the homecoming.
Benigo’s son Sam told FOX5 Friday his dad felt very appreciated on the Honor Flight Southern Nevada trip. The nonprofit relies on donations to send veterans to see their war memorials at no cost to them. Benigo’s son Sam says his dad knew his end was near, and the trip was a real gift for his father in the end.
Captain Ronald Benigo was 86 years old.
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