Posted in

Patrick Tadina, Vietnam War’s longest continuously serving Ranger, dies at 77

by IAS••33

A 30-year Army veteran who was the longest continuously serving Ranger in Vietnam and one of the war’s most decorated enlisted soldiers has died.

Patrick Gavin Tadina served in Vietnam for over five years straight between 1965 and 1970, leading long range reconnaissance patrols deep into enemy territory — often dressed in black pajamas and sandals, and carrying an AK-47.

The retired command sergeant major died Friday morning in North Carolina. He was 77.

“Early this morning my Dad … took his last breaths and went to be with all the Rangers before him,” his daughter Catherine Poeschl said on Facebook. “I know they are all there waiting for him.”

He is survived by his wife, two sisters, two daughters, four sons, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, the family said in a brief online obituary. A funeral had not yet been scheduled.

A native of Hawaii, Tadina earned two Silver Stars, 10 Bronze Stars — seven with valor — three Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, four Army Commendation Medals, including two for valor, and three Purple Hearts.

After the release of the second Rambo movie, he was profiled in Stars and Stripes, where he was contrasted with Sylvester Stallone’s beefy — often shirtless — portrayal of a Vietnam combat veteran.

“The real thing comes in a smaller, less glossy package,” wrote reporter Don Tate in December 1985. “Tadina stands just over 5-feet-5, and swells all the way up to 130 pounds after a big meal.”

What an exceptional man and well-lived life.   Please follow the link below for more of the story.

 

 

Source: Patrick Tadina, Vietnam War’s longest continuously serving Ranger, dies at 77 – News – Stripes

You might also like

New book says General Milley was worried about a Trump coup, it was a ‘Reichstag Moment’

Quick takes: Kim threats, VA screening, Uniform kerfluffle

Georgia Vietnam vet reunited with stolen Purple Heart 38 years later

33 thoughts on “Patrick Tadina, Vietnam War’s longest continuously serving Ranger, dies at 77”

  5. Wow. Just wow. Quite a man indeed.

    Read the article. It is clear from it that he also raised an exceptional daughter.

    Peace to the family. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.

  6. Rest in peace, Sir. God bless and comfort your family.

    You were one of the few and far between.

  7. Rest well with your Comrades in Valhalla Sergeant Major, you’ve earned your place there and in History.

  9. Rest easy CSM Tadina, the nation is better for your service and the world now a little dimmer with your passing.

  10. I’m trying to find words to express the excellence and greatness of CSM Patrick G. Tadina, and failing.

  12. 2 Silver Starts, TEN Bronze Stars, SEVEN for Valor, THREE Purple Hearts. Spent FIVE years in Vietnam.

    Rest Easy CSM. You SERVED your time in Hell.

  14. Thank you for your exceptional service to our great nation. Rest In Peace…

  17. Godspeed and Farewell Command Sergeant Major Patrick G. Tadina. May God’s Peace bring Comfort to your Family and Compatriots. I am sure that many a flagon of mead will be raised to you upon your arrival in Valhalla. Rest Well Good Soldier!

    “…that such ment lived!”

  19. Mike Charlie, SGM! Prepare to debrief St. Peter, then on to the final objective.

    Sure wish somebody wrote a book about the SGM — I’d love to read it.

  21. Rangers Lead the Way Command Sergeant Major, I will see you on the high ground.
    R.I.P.

  22. RIP, CSM Tadina.

    Hope you were in Heaven a half-hour before the Devil knew you were gone.

      1. I think the CSM is in Heaven because the Devil doesn’t want him in Hell….

  24. Gallantly you showed the world what a specially selected and well-trained Soldier is, for which we are eternally grateful.
    Rest In Peace, Dear Command Sergeant Major, your final Ranger objective awaits.
    ‘Thank you’ ain’t enough…

  27. 5’5″, 130?

    Makes my 5’10” 200 positively tiny.

    Hooah, Ranger. Lead the way.

  28. R.I.P. Elder Brother. Until Vahalla………..

    Edited to protect your PII. To see why hit the Valor Vultures tab and scroll until you se my PSA.
    AW1

    1. Also interesting:
      Tadina Family Tree on Ancestry.com shows Filipino family that goes back several generations in Hawaii.
      Possible touch of German Ancestry on his Mothers side.

Comments are closed.