1SGT (Ret) Jesus "Jesse" Hernandez Jr.

Jesus “Jesse” Hernandez, Jr., son of the late Jesus Hernandez, Sr. and Macedonia (Juarez) Hernandez, entered this world on October 31, 1933, in Corpus Christi, Texas and departed this life on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in the Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Missouri having attained the age of 89 years. Jesse, as he was referred to by his friends and family, grew up in Corpus Christi where he attended elementary school and graduated from Miller High School. Shortly after graduating from high school, Jesse entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully before retiring after 24 years of service. He had attained the rank of First Sergeant and was awarded several medals and commendations; some of which included: Bronze Star Ribbon, Purple Heart Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Ribbon (7), Vietnam Service Ribbon With 3 Bronze Star, Army Overseas Service Ribbon With 2 Numeral, and Republic Of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, along with several others. Jesse had quite an illustrious career in the military. He began his career at Ft. Lee, Virginia in 1951 where he did basic training. He did a tour in Germany and then was sent to Fort Leonard Wood in 1955 where he was assigned to the 3rd Regiment. Even though during his time drill sergeants were not a part of the Army, Jesse served in the capacity of one. In 1959, he served a tour in Korea before being transferred to Ft. Devens, Massachusetts for two years. In 1961, he was sent back to Germany for 17 months and in 1962 was sent to Ft. Benning, Georgia to join the 11th Air Assault Division, which became the 1st Air Cavalry, and they were sent to Vietnam in 1965. While in Vietnam, Jesse served with the Seventh Calvary, (Co. C, 2ND BN, 7th Cav., 1st Cav. Div.). It was his unit that went in to relieve LTG Harold Moore’s troop that had been ambushed. The Battle of la Drang Valley was the first major battle between the United States Army and Vietnam, which was depicted in the movie “We Were Soldiers” starring Mel Gibson. Several of Jesse’s buddies did not survive the battle, known as the most intensive battle in the history of the division. For many years afterward, Jesse would not discuss the painful events. In later years, when he was able to talk about the events, Jesse was interviewed for a movie, “History of Seventh Cavalry,” that aired on the History Channel. In 1967, he was transferred to Ft. Hood, Texas before being sent back to Germany in 1968. In 1969, Jesse was sent back to Vietnam and in 1970, he was transferred back to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he planned to retire. After coming back to Fort Leonard Wood, he was assigned to the 2nd Brigade and then was sent to drill sergeant school. During his time in drill sergeant school, he was the oldest man in his class at the age of 38. After completing the drill sergeant course, he was assigned as platoon sergeant for the 5th Brigade. During his first assignment to Fort Leonard Wood, Jesse met and was united in marriage to Ruby Bonnilea Kelly on June 2, 1956, in Tuscumbia, Missouri. They shared seven children together: Jesse, Joyce, Janet, Johnny, Joe, Jerry, and Judy. After retiring from the military, Jesse continued serving his country as a civil service employee. He worked at Fort Leonard Wood as a supply clerk before retiring from this position. In his spare time, Jesse enjoyed attending military reunions, spending time with his friends at the local coffee shops, dancing, and doing small engine repair work. He loved spending time with his friends and family while barbequing for them and in general just loved helping people. He also had a fun time flirting with the women that he encountered. He was a member of the VFW Ozark Memorial Post 3176 in St. Robert, American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans organizations. He was also a member of the St. Bellarmine Catholic Church of St. Robert. sse will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Jesse Hernandez III (Anita) of Eldon, MO, Joyce Vail (Russell) of Rushville, IN, Janet Drury of Belton, MO, Johnny Hernandez of Sarasota, FL, Joe Hernandez of Springfield, IL, Jerry Hernandez of Del Valle, TX, Judy Garner (Brent) of Lebanon, MO, and Pedro Belligio (Joy) of Clarksville, TN; twenty-three grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; three half-siblings, Susie Siller of Austin, TX, and Sandra Martinez and Bobby Hernandez both of Corpus Christi, TX; ex-wife: Ruby Hernandez; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Jesse was preceded in death by four sisters: Anna Salinas, Mary Silvas, Theresa Hernandez, and Carmen Chavarria. Even though he is gone from our sight, Jesse’s love of country and family will live on in our hearts forever. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Jesus "Jesse" Hernandez, Jr. to the Honor Flight for Veterans. Memorial Donations can be made payable to Lebanon Area Foundation, noting Friends of the Fort on the memo line. Mail to: Lebanon Area Foundation, P.O. Box 1042, Lebanon, MO 65536, or may be left at the funeral home.

1SGT (Ret) Jesus "Jesse" Hernandez Jr.

October 31, 1933 - September 12, 2023