Dear Sir:
SP/4 Jaime Pacheco was killed in action on 25 May 1972, while serving as Team medic for Ranger Team 76 which was on a reconnaissance mission approximately 10 kilometers north of fire support base Spudis. Walking in the position of rear scout, SP/4 Pacheco accompanied a point reconnaissance element which walked into a bunker complex. As the lead element made contact and expended its initial magazine, a dangerous lull in fireing (sic) ensued. Realizing the danger, SP/4 Pacheco rushed forward and covered the withdrawal of the point reconnaissance by fireing (sic) his own weapon and throwing 12-15 fragmentation grenades. (Because this action allowed the entire element to withdraw unharmed and because it showed great valor with little concern for his own safety SP/4 Pacheco has been submitted for a Silver Star). Once contact had been broken, the point reconnaissance returned to the rest of the team, and the Team Leader requested a pink team and a section of Max gunships. The Team Leader worked out the pink team's Cobra first, expending all of its ordinance on the complex. Next the Max section worked on the complex. On the 11th or 12th run the minigun on one of the Cobras malfunctioned and fired 6 rounds which landed in and around the small Ranger perimeter. One round struck Pacheco in the back and exited through the chest region, causing a sucking chest wound. The Team Leader told the pink team commander he needed to get him out as soon as possible, while the team members stopped his sucking chest wound with a five quart canteen. Two members of the team carried him to the nearest semblance of an LZ, and the pink team's low bird came in, taking several blade strikes in the process. Although he was barely alive when placed on the low bird, he expired while on the chopper and was dead when it landed at Spudis.

The company felt a great loss upon Pacheco's death. He was a deeply religious man and so well liked that it seems so cruel that he should die in such a fluke. A memorial service was held in his honor and each member of the command gave him his last salute. I can honestly say that he is one of the few in this world who had no enemies.

I thank you on behalf of all Rangers for the stories you wrote about us, and assure you that many copies of the Garry Owen were sent home to friends and relatives. If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me.