My farewell to Eppie, a war hero

There are those that give so much and ask for so little. They were part of the "greatest generation" that taught us how to sacrifice and work together for the common good. They were the heroes of past world wars. Last month, we lost one of them, Epifanio (Eppie) Gonzales, a Silver Star recipient.

He was not only a hero in war, but to all of us he touched. He was one of Father Collins' "kids" at the Guadalupe Mission where he volunteered, trying to make us teenagers respectable citizens through recreational activities. He never let me forget about trying to dunk him in the pool during one of our trips to the Beck's hot springs. He was a kind, thoughtful man who taught us to play and love each other. He had the most contagious smile, and his sparkling eyes exposed his zest for life and his religion.

Eppie was part of the WWII greatest generation that lived the values that made our nation strong — willingness to sacrifice for the common good, patriotism and perseverance. Born in California, he came to Utah in the 1930s as a migrant worker and in 1941 volunteered for the Army, believing it was his patriotic duty. By his kind demeanor and infectious smile, one would never know that he was a tough, decorated war hero, awarded four Bronze Stars and the Silver Star for saving the lives of numerous U.S. soldiers at the crossing of the Rapido River in Italy.

Though he was also offered a field commission and a Purple Heart, he turned them both down.

Years ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Eppie about the Guadalupe Mission, and eventually he talked about his battle experiences in the African, Sicilian and Italian campaigns. He said that German General Rommel, the "Desert Fox," came to regard their Regiment as a "thorn in his side." He talked about the casualties his battalion took in the North African campaign and in Italy where his battalion built bridges over the Rapido River under heavy enemy fire.

It was over that battle that Eppie was awarded the Silver Star. In typical Eppie fashion, he praised others for their acts of bravery and the pride he had in serving his country.

Eppie's greatest loves were his family, his Catholic faith and his country. For many others and me, he was an icon for our Lady of Guadalupe Mission. As a volunteer working with us wild teenagers, he earned our respect by his unconditional love, his guidance and treating us with dignity. Eppie dedicated his free time to serving where needed in the parish. He was a religious teacher to youth and adults for over 45 years, member of the Men's Club, Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic minister, lector, choir member, Scout committee chairman, parish painter and all-around handy man.