29 Dec 2004 Roland was a close friend of mine in San Antonio. Even though we went to different high schools, we hung out together and enjoyed going to dances, listening to music, and watching sports. We had a great time when we drove to Houston in April 1965 to see the Houston Astros play the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was the first week of the opening of the Astrodome. A couple of excited eighteen-year-old kids sleeping in a car in downtown Houston waiting for the next morning to go to the eighth wonder of the world. The following summer he told us that he had signed up for the Army. That was the last time I saw him. I still think of our good times. Little did I know that I too would be a grunt in the RVN a few years later. God Bless You, Roland. You are a true hero, my Brother! Richard S. Rios 210 Enchanted Trail Drive, Spring, Tx 77388 rsrios2002@yahoo.com

 

27 Feb 2006 It is difficult to say anything about Roland. The stories I hear are from his cousins, aunts and uncles. But he had a great reputation. His loss was mourned in one of the hardest ways possible. One of the only images that I have to even contemplate Roland is a digital copy of the news article about him, published 14 Sep 66. Talking with my father, who knew him growing up, I have never heard anything but admiration of him. I only wish I had the opportunity to meet him. From a second cousin, Jason Lopez E-mail address is not available. Please visit my personal memorial to my cousin

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall Between 03 and 12 Sep 1966 the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, conducted Operation KIPAPA, a search-and-destroy operation in the Filhol Plantation area of Hau Nghia Province. The plamtation was a long-time bastion for VC forces, and KIPAPA was only one of several attempts during the war to clear them from the area. The Op KIPAPA after-action report notes that Charlie Company 1/5 was in reserve for the greatest part of the operation, actually participating only on 07/08 Sep before returning to reserve status - and does not mention that Charlie 1/5 encountered any enemy forces during that brief period. Although one platoon from Charlie 1/5 was attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, there is no record that 1/27 was engaged during the period of Op KIPAPA. Never the less, the Op KIPAPA AAR lists six men from Charlie 1/5 who were wounded during Op KIPAPA, and one who died from his wounds - PFC Rolando Soliz. REMEMBERED by his comrades in the 5th Infantry

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