David "Pancho" Manrique (sent in by Tom Jones) This unique tattoo has a Golden Dragon connection even though it's proud owner, David "Pancho" Manrique, served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry  (Cacti). A good friend from my 1966 service with 1-14 Infantry, CPT Richard Beal, returned to VN for a 2nd tour in early 1968 and was Company Commander of A-1-35 Infantry. Over the years at various reunions I have run into numerous men that humped his radio, and Pancho was one of them.  Both were wounded in action on 4-5-68 and,  for a time, hospitalized near each  other.  Pancho

writes "Beal told me that I was going to a hospital in Japan and asked if I had any money.  I told him "no" and then
he pulled out his wallet and gave me $10 and said I did a great job and that I made him proud; good luck in life and
to stay a good man.  Then he said 'God bless you son' and said goodbye.  He was a good man that I will never forget". 
David Manrique eventually returned to the beaches of California and had this tattoo done to cut down on the questions.

(RETURN)