Jose Gonzalo Montano

The Montanos announce with great sadness that Jose Gonzalo Montano passed away peacefully in his home on October 14th, 2018, with his youngest son Mario at his side. Jose is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosa, his three sons Robert, Uvaldo, Mario and their families. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Earl Romero, Mary Treadwell, and Clarence Romero and their families. Jose was born to Juan Romero and Lupita Montano in Las Vegas, New Mexico on January 30th, 1928 and was raised by his maternal Grandmother, Casimira Montano. Knowing Jose would have to take care of himself at an early age, Casimira raised him to be independent, confident, and strong. Casimira passed away in 1940 when Jose was only 12 years old, after which Jose was on his own. He hopped a freight train to Denver, CO where he worked first in a rope manufacturing factory and then at the Coors Brewery in Golden, CO. This is where Jose learned that California had many jobs at better pay. In 1942 Jose hopped a west bound freight train. On the way he met Monroe, who was heading to California to work in the shipyards as a welder. Jose and Monroe worked at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond, CA as Liberty Ship welders. While in Richmond Jose tried to enlist in the Army. Because he was underage he needed permission from his parents, but he was unsuccessful. In 1944 Jose moved to Los Angeles, CA. He lived in an apartment on Flower Street in downtown LA and worked as an apprentice carpenter for Mr. Alexander, building homes near Griffith Park. Then In 1945, at 17 years old, Jose successfully joined the Army. He went to boot camp at Camp Roberts, CA, and after selecting the Army Air Force, Jose trained as a B-17 tail gunner at the Flexible Gunnery School, Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range in Denver, CO. From Denver new gunners were transported to New York and boarded a troop ship bound for England. In route, WWII ended, and the ship was diverted to LaHavre, France. Along with thousands of other Army Airforce "fresh replacements", Jose was transported via train to Furstenfeldbruck, Germany for processing and assignment. He was based at both Nordholtz and Munich-Reims Airforce base and flew surveillance missions over Europe, North Africa, and as far west as the Azores. Jose returned to the U.S. at the end of 1946. In October 1949 Jose was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Cavalry regiment, 1st Cavalry division, 8th Army stationed at McKnight Barracks, Tokyo Japan. According to Jose, duty in Japan was nice but short lived. On June 25th, 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea and on July 22nd, the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Cavalry made their amphibious landing near Pohang, South Korea. The 7th Cavalry engaged in heavy combat until November 1951 when offensive operations were ceased. They fought to establish and hold the northwest portion of the Pusan perimeter against fierce attacks from the North Korean Army until September 15th, and then led an advance to the 38th parallel and into North Korea fighting both the North Korean and Chinese Army. After 17 months of combat, Jose returned to Japan with the 7th Cavalry in December 1951. He spent several months in Japan training Korean forces before transferring to Italy in 1952. In 1954 Jose met his future wife Rosa at a wedding of her cousin. After seeing her only a half dozen times, Jose proposed to Rosa in 1955. He had to return to the U.S. and after six months came back to Italy for their wedding on August 30 1956. They married at the Catholic church in Siebeneich, Italy. Days later the couple were on board a TWA Lockheed Constellation bound for the U.S. The flight took 3 days and included stops in Paris, London, The Azores, Nova Scotia, and New York City, before finally arriving in Kansas City. They traveled by bus to Ft. Riley, Kansas. Their first son, Robert was born there in 1957. In 1958 Jose was transferred to Korea for a 13 month assignment. Meanwhile Rosa lived with Jose's Aunt Maria and Uncle Felix in Las Vegas, NM where their second son, Uvaldo was born. In 1959, Jose returned from Korea and the family was reunited at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX where their third son Mario was born in 1960. From 1962 to 1966 Jose served with the 3rd Armored Division, 83rd Reconnaissance Battalion, tasked with surveilling the Fulda Gap in Germany at the height of the cold war. The primary objective of the 3rd Armored Division was in the event of war, to defend the Fulda Gap against an attack from the Soviet Union. In 1966 Jose was assigned to the 67th Medical Group at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio TX. A few months later the group was given orders for Vietnam. On September 24th, 1967 the 67th Medical Group arrived at Bien Hoa, Vietnam. In February 1968 they were reassigned to Da Nang to support XXIV Corps. Jose returned to the U.S. in July 1969, having served two consecutive tours of duty where he was awarded the Bronze Star. After 24 years serving his country, Jose was assigned to the Armed Forces Recreation Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. A well-deserved final assignment. Jose retired from the Army at Ft. Bragg, NC on December 7th, 1973. He brought his family to Goleta, CA to be close to his father Juan, step mother Juanita, brothers, and sister after so many years away. Following his military service, Jose worked for Raytheon Services in Goleta, and retired in 1994. He spent his remaining years enjoying his passion for travel, working on his home, and spending time with family. Visitation will take place at Welch-Ryce-Haider, 450 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara CA on November 8th from 2 to 5 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Raphael Church, 5444 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA on November 9th at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Goleta Cemetery, 44 S. San Antonio Rd, Santa Barbara CA A reception to celebrate Jose's life is hosted by Clarence and Linda Romero, 3911 Stacey Lane, Santa Barbara, CA. All are welcome. Jose's Military Commendations: Army Occupation Medal - Japan World War II Victory Medal - Germany Korean Service Medal United Nations Service Medal National Defense Service Medal Marksman's Badge Sharpshooters Badge Expert Rifle Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal National Defense Service Medal - 1st OLC Bronze Star Medal Good Conduct Medal, 6th award

Jose Gonzalo Montano

January 30, 1928 - October 14, 2018