It was a battle held 48 years ago in the Vietnam village of An Chau. Green Beret James Gabriel Jr. was executed by Viet Cong guerrillas - the first native hawaiian killed in Vietnam. Saturday the U.S. Army will honor the fallen-hero.
Billie Gabriel lays lei at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl beaming as she reflects on her brother's memory.
"There's so much pride in knowing that your brother dedicated his life for his country," she says.
James Gabriel Jr. was a Green Beret, part of the Army's elite Special forces.
"When I read his letters I could feel that sense of pride and he was so young but yet eager," said Billie who was only 11-years-old when her brother was at war. "At the same time you could sense the fear you know in his words."
Their mother kept every letter written by Kimo.
"This was the last letter you know that he had written."
It was postmarked April 3, 1962.
"Today I got the blessing of my life. Nobui told me that she is expecting," says Billie Gabriel, struggling to read her brothers final words to his mother. "I just want to say don't worry about me because I'm fine. Give my love to dad and the kids, I have to go now sorry. Your loving son, Kimo."
Five days later Gabriel was executed by Viet Cong guerrillas during a training mission, the first Special Forces solider and first native Hawaiian killed in Vietnam. He was only 24. Five months later James Gabriel III was born.
Gabriel was memorialized in the song "The Ballad of the Green Berets." Sgt. Barry Sadler wrote about the soldier from Hawaii.
"Remember Gabriel who died on Asian shores, to wife and son he'll return no more. I've heard brave men say, I would give my life for a Green Beret," says the younger sister.
Gabriel was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star for Valor and the National Defense Medal.
"Having someone who didn't even know him, still be moved by his sacrifice and feel that it warranted being in a song means so much to our family."
On May 22, the 5th Special Forces Group will dedicate Gabriel Memorial Field at Fort Campbell in Kentucky in honor of the fallen Hawaii hero. Billie Gabriel will be there to represent her family.
"When young men like James Gabriel step forward and they serve their nation, they should never be criticized," said Gene Castagnetti, Punchbowl Director and Vietnam veteran. "Through remembering James Gabriel you remember all the veterans who served in Vietnam."
