CPL, United States Marine Corps, Francis Xavier Nava

Francis Xavier “Pancho” Nava enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965, while still in high school, in the Marines 120-delayed service program. He was the first from Santa Fe to sign up under the program. He served in the Vietnam War as a Corporal, with a specialty as a rifleman. His service number assignment was 2129225 and was attached to the Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

In May of 1966, Nava was wounded in battle from sniper fire. On September 8, 1966 Corporal Nava died due to hostile arms fire in An Dinh, South, two kilometers northeast of Con Thien. Nava was the first soldier from Santa Fe killed in Vietnam.

Nava was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His father, Estanislado “Stanley” Nava, served in the Army, and his mother, Rosa L. Nava, served in the US Marines during World War II. Nava is buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. He is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, Panel 10e, Line 77.

Nava was a graduate of Santa Fe High School and was a member of the Santa Fe Civil Air Patrol. Nava Elementary School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is named after him.

Notes:

Francis Xavier Nava. https://www.honorstates.org/profiles/289835/Honor States.org

Francis Javier Nava. Find-a-Grave. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17575996/francis_xavier-nava