We Remember Sgt. Ernesto Ortega
Marine Sgt Ernest Ortega gave his life in Vietnam at age 21. His courage and sacrifice still endure.
August 23, 2026
WE REMEMBER — SERGEANT ERNEST ORTEGA
Sergeant Ernest Ortega of Wichita, Kansas, served his country as a rifleman in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
Born on December 2, 1945, Ortega enlisted in the regular Marine Corps and was assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division.
On December 21, 1966, just nineteen days after his twenty-first birthday, Sergeant Ortega was killed by hostile small-arms fire in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam.
His military decorations included the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation.
Sergeant Ernest Ortega is buried at Calvary Cemetery in his hometown of Wichita, Kansas.
He was only twenty-one years old when he gave his life in the service of his country. Today, we honor his courage, remember his sacrifice, and ensure that his name is never forgotten.
More than sixty years later, Ernest Ortega remains present in the thoughts of his friend Charles “Chuck,” who asks that his memory be shared and never forgotten.
Semper Fidelis