Mr. Alfonso Marquez Solis' Obituary
Alfonso “Al” Marquez Solis, age 92 born October 20th, 1927 in San Antonio, TX passed away at his home in Donelson, TN on February 25th, 2020. Preceded in death by his parents, Catarino and Matiana (Marquez) Solis. Brother Luis Solis, sister Domingo Silva and brother Tiburcio (Butch) Solis.
First Sergeant Alfonso M. Solis was drafted into the Military Service Jan. 10, 1946. After World War 2, He served in the Occupation of Japan from March 1947 to August 1949. There were no jobs then, so he enlisted back into the service again and returned to Japan in March 1950. He Became an Infantry man with Fox-Co. 8th Infantry Regiment 1st Cavalry Division. The Korean War started June 25, 1950, he served during the Korean War in the battle of the Pusan Perimeter and was wounded and returned to the United States. He then went to Jump school at Fort Benning, GA. He was now a Sergeant E-5, and was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. The Division was sent to Germany, it was now March 1956. He came back home to Fort Bragg, NC in 1959 and decided to go skydiving and the rest is history.
He received an Award of the Army Commendation Medal that read as follows:
“FIRST SERGEANT ALFONSO M. SOLIS, United States Army, is cited for faithful and meritorious service from October 1962 to October 1972. In October 1962, First Sergeant Solis was a squad leader in the 508th Infantry (Airborne) at Fort Kobbe, Canal Zone. From July 1964 to March 1965, he served with the 502D Infantry (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, KY. First Sergeant Solis’ next assignment was with the United States Army Parachute Team at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was instrumental in establishing 98 new world records. From October 1967 to July 1968, he served with 101st Airborne Division ( Airmobile) in the Republic of Vietnam, where he was promoted to First Sergeant. During this period, he participated in action around Hue in the Republic of Vietnam during the 1968 Communist Tet Offensive. For his courageous actions, he was awarded the second award of the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart with the first oak leaf cluster and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. First Sergeant Solis served as a First Sergeant at the United States Army Training Center, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from January 1969 to February 1971, at which time his company was selected as honor company of the cycle. In 1971, he returned to the Republic of Vietnam to serve with 173rd Airborne Brigade and later as First Sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate). He later redeployed to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with the 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry (Airborne). First Sergeant Solis has continually performed his duties aggressively and with determination. His efforts and experience have been an asset to every unit he has served with. First Sergeant Solis has distinguished himself through his achievements and his outstanding contributions reflect great credit upon himself and the United States.”
First Sergeant Solis spent 25 years and 6 months in the Army. He spent 18 of those years as an infantry man, 2 years with the United States Army Parachute Team (The Golden Knights) (1959-1961). He logged 98 troop jumps, 1392 Skydives for a total of 1,480 jumps. A lost log book was found that contained an additional 112 Skydives, bringing the total jumps up to 1,592, with the highest jump coming in at an astounding 22,500 feet. Al continued his passion for sky-diving up into his 80’s.
He enjoyed playing poker with his son and sons-in-law and friends in the “HOOCH”. He loved watching Nascar races, football, and boxing with family. Another enjoyment was traveling with Jean (Honey) to gamble at Metropolis. He loved to shoot pool, dance, cook breakfast and work out in the yard. Al was the best story teller you’ll ever hear, his stories were legendary.
Al was a loving husband to Jean (Newman) Solis for 67 years. He had 7 children, Consuelo (Jerry) King, Lynn Solis, Anita Solis, Patricia Salmon, Valentina (Johnny) Doyle, Jason (Joan) Solis, Amanda (Danny) Ledford. He was daddy Al to 11 Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be held at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, Madison TN. from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Services will be held at Church of The Holy Rosary, Donelson, TN. from 12:00pm-2:00pm with a funeral mass following. Interment at Historic Spring Hill Cemetery with full Military Honors will follow mass.
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