MSG (ret.) Gil Apodaca, age 78, was battling leukemia when he passed away at his home in Oceanside, CA. He is survived by his beloved wife Tencha and their adult children Michael, Gil, and Cindy. A memorial service was conducted on 25 October at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Carlsbad, CA. SFA members from Chapter XII (12) and Chapter LXXV (75) were in attendance to render final honors.

Gil initially enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserves, in 1950. The reserve unit was subsequently activated for Korea. Gil was in boot camp when it was discovered he was 16 years old and released. On 1 January 1951, he enlisted in the US Army and completed basic training at Camp Roberts, CA. He was shipped overseas and served with the 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War. In 1953, he volunteered for jump school at Fort Bragg, NC and assigned to the 319th Field Artillery Regt., 82nd Airborne Division. In 1957, Gil was reassigned to Germany and served in an armored field artillery unit of the 3rd Army.

In 1960, he returned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. In 1962, Gil volunteered for and completed Special Forces training. From 1962-65, he served with the 7th SFG(A). In 1964, he went TDY to the Republic of Vietnam and was based in Pleiku. In 1965, he was reassigned to the 8th SFG(A) in Panama and participated in numerous MTTs in Nicaragua, Venezuela, El Salvador, Honduras, Bolivia, Columbia, Guatemala, and Peru. In 1968, he returned to Vietnam with the 5th SFG(A). Gil was assigned to MACV-SOG and participated in prisoner of war raid/recovery missions in Laos and Cambodia and Hatchet Force operations. He served with Project Sigma and CCS. In 1969, Gil returned to the 8th SFG(A) and remained there until retiring from the military on 1 January 1971.

Among his awards are the Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal with V device, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, and foreign jump wings. Gil was a member of the Special Operations Association and a life member of the Special Forces Association. Gil was well liked and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the Special Forces community. Gil served his country well and with honor – De Oppresso Liber.