A few days ago (17 June), an article appeared in the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs publication and it prominently features Patriot Angel Aviles of our chapter. Angel has been a dedicated member of Chapter 0049 for several years and it is good to see him get some recognition for all of his hard work.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – For more than 20 years he served, both in and out of combat. He didn’t stop there. Since 1953 retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Angel Aviles has dedicated more than 60 years to serving his country.

His journey began in the United States Army from 1953 to 1954 where he served in the Korean War and was awarded two Bronze Stars for valor in combat and also received the Purple Heart medal, as he was wounded in combat.

“I was in the 38th parallel in Seoul, South Korea July 27, 1953, when I saw two soldiers crawling in the woods,” Aviles said. “Without hesitation I ran over to them while exposing myself (to enemy fire) and dragged them both to a safe area. They were both bleeding, bad. One was shot in the shoulder and the other in the back.”

“I began stuffing dirt and sand into the wounds to stop the bleeding. Then I took off my shirt, ripped it and used it to maintain pressure on the wounds and tying both of the wounds tight with the strap from the M1 Rifle. I was only 18-years-old at the time and I used the survival techniques I learned in the boy scouts.”

Aviles joined the United States Coast Guard in 1955 where he served in the Vietnam War, on 6 Buoy Tenders, 5 cutters and retired as a decorated chief warrant officer in 1974.

He was employed with the United States Customs Service in 1974 until he began service with the United States Treasury Department in 1976. During that time he served as an Equal Employment Opportunity investigating officer where he was involved in a variety of military programs. He soon after served as a United States Customs Inspector and the Captain of the Port/Marine Inspection Station at Governor’s Island as an Intelligence Officer.

Since 1995 Aviles has been actively involved in the United States Army Warrant Officer Association as the Program Director, serving as the President of the Oceanside Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

In late 2001, Aviles received a certificate of thanks from Homeland Security for his dedication to safeguarding freedom and protecting his homeland from terrorism.

Aviles was the 2012 Military Officers Association of America Veteran of the Year. Aviles was also recommended by Ret. Navy Capt. Thomas G. Bauer, the California Military Officers Association of America Director, to be nominated for the Congressional Gold Medal.

“Angel has been an inspiration to the members of the Pendleton Chapter and a constant reminder and example of what one can do for ones’ country, community and fellow veterans,” Bauer said.

Header image credit: Brandon Mowinke, Unsplash