SAN ANTONIO, TX, USA U.S. Marines SSGT, H&S CO, 3D BN, 5TH MAR, RCT-1, 1ST MAR DIV, CAMP PENDLETON, CA FALLUJAH, IRAQ 11/10/2004
Gene was born in San Antonio to Pedro and Joanne Ramirez where he grew up with a sister Pamela and a brother Pete. He graduated from Harlandale High School in 1995, and joined the Marines just a few months later. He wanted to follow his father Pedro’s example and to fulfill his duties as a marine. He looked up to and admired his father who had served during the Vietnam War.
Gene was a Marine’s marine, trusted and empowered by his commander to perform above his normal duties, he always stepped up to the challenge and was admired and respected by all who served with him. Having recently been advanced to Staff Sergeant, Gene planned to make the marines a career.
Gene was like a big brother and mentor to many marines, in many assignments, but especially in combat. Gene provided a positive influence to change their lives, providing the leadership needed to build a strong team. He worked hard and played hard. He loved to follow his favorite Texas teams, the Longhorns, Cowboys and Spurs, calling home frequently to get updates and boasting of their success to all that would listen. He planned to return to Texas to recruit more marines. He would have been great at it.
Not anxious to return to Iraq for a second tour, he was not hesitant to do his duty. He said he “didn’t want to be a hero . . . but as a marine, during a war, you go to war.” After being wounded during combat in Fallujah, Gene insisted his fellow marine, a corporal be cared for first. He later died. He was a hero that gave all.