🎖️ Veteran of the Day: Specialist 4 Raymond Bernal Jr., U.S. Army

Honoring a Son of San José, California — A Hero Remembered
The Micky Spano Show | mickyspano.com/

Early Life and Service

Today, The Micky Spano Show proudly honors Specialist 4 Raymond Bernal Jr., a brave American soldier from San José, California, who gave his life in Vietnam while serving his country with honor and courage.

Born on January 4, 1947, Raymond grew up in the heart of San José, where friends and family remember him as a kind and spirited young man who loved life, sports, and community. A graduate of San José High School, he was part of a generation that answered the call when freedom needed defenders.

⚔️ The Call to Duty

Raymond Bernal Jr. served proudly in the United States Army as a Specialist 4 (SP4) assigned to combat duty in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. He was a member of the 1st Infantry Division, where he stood shoulder to shoulder with his brothers in arms during one of America’s most challenging conflicts.

On November 30, 1966, while serving in the field, Raymond was tragically killed in action by enemy fire. His courage under fire and devotion to duty exemplified the very best of America’s soldiers — those who give all without hesitation.

He was 19 years old.

🕊️ Legacy and Remembrance

Raymond Bernal Jr. is forever remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., at Panel 12E, Line 130, where his name joins the ranks of those who gave everything for freedom.

He is also honored in his hometown of San José, California, where memorials stand to recognize the service of the many young men who left the Santa Clara Valley to serve in Vietnam — and never returned.

Friends and neighbors recall Raymond as “a good kid from the neighborhood” — the kind of young man who made everyone around him proud. His life and sacrifice remind us that heroes aren’t born in headlines — they’re raised in our homes, taught in our schools, and remembered in our hearts.

☕ A Message from The Micky Spano Show

Here at The Micky Spano Show, we take time each week to honor a Veteran of the Day — an American who gave more than most can imagine so that we might live in peace and liberty.

Today, we remember Specialist 4 Raymond Bernal Jr., a son of California, a brother to many, and a soldier who stood tall in the face of danger.

May his courage inspire future generations to serve with honor, humility, and heart.

Rest easy, Specialist Bernal. Your sacrifice is remembered. Your name lives forever.

“Panel 12E, Line 130 — Honoring SP4 Raymond Bernal Jr., U.S. Army — Vietnam, 1966.”

Tribute to SP4 Raymond Bernal Jr., a San José native who gave his life in Vietnam on November 30, 1966. The Micky Spano Show honors his courage, service, and legacy through mickyspano.com/’s Veteran of the Day series.