Sergeant First Class Ricarte “Ricky” Tumacder, U.S. Army retired, is the monthly recognized war hero. Tumacder is from Hanama‘ulu. He has had an illustrious military career having served 24 years in the infantry branch of the U.S. Army. He enlisted
Sergeant First Class Ricarte “Ricky” Tumacder, U.S. Army retired, is the monthly recognized war hero. Tumacder is from Hanama‘ulu. He has had an illustrious military career having served 24 years in the infantry branch of the U.S. Army.
He enlisted in 1946 at the age of 17, and retired in 1971. He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict. He has a remarkable combat record with numerous awards and decorations, and is the recipient of the Silver Star, the third-highest medal for gallantry in action, that was awarded to him by President Richard M. Nixon.
Tumacder’s other awards include two Combat Infantryman Badges, three Bronze Star Medals with V, three Purple Heart Medals for wounds sustained in combat, the Army Commendation Medal and numerous Certificates of Achievement.
His Silver Star Medal citation reads: “For gallantry in action, SFC Tumacder distinguished himself on 6 August 1971 while serving as an advisor to two regional-force companies in Vietnam. Early in the battle he was wounded in the leg, but disregarded the pain and rallied the friendly forces. As the enemy began to place small-arms fire on the group, he directed the return fire and encouraged the Montagnard troops he was advising to drive off the enemy. In the mean time, seeing an area on the perimeter needed reinforcement, he moved across an open area with his machine gun, but was wounded again in the chest by fragments of a mortar round. Although almost incapacitated he refused medical attention until others were treated. His bravery under fire was instrumental in driving off the enemy force and was an outstanding example for the men he advised.”
Tumacder served two tours with the 5th Regimental Combat Team in Korea as a sniper and squad leader, and served three tours in Vietnam as an advisor and later platoon sergeant with the 11th LIB, Americal Division. While serving in the 11th LIB, he received three Bronze Star Medals as a platoon sergeant and acting platoon leader. In one of his citations he demonstrated outstanding leadership when his platoon of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry, was ambushed.
Although being wounded, he with complete disregard for his safety rallied his men to fight back and move to a more-strategic location to defeat the enemy. Tumacder was wounded twice in the same month and returned to duty. He was a legendary noncommissioned officer who valued his men’s safety more than his own. Tumacder was a “soldier’s soldier.”
Son of Andres and Victoria Tumacder, now both deceased, Ricky Tumacder he was born and raised in Hanama‘ulu, where he is called “tata” (grandfather) or “uncle” in the Filipino community, titles of respect. He has been married to Emelia for more than 21 years, has a son from a previous marriage, Ricky Junior, a retired U.S. Marines master sergeant.
Today Tumacder is recognized for his outstanding military service and contribution as a role model in the community.
• William Honjiyo retired as a lieutenant colonel after 20 years in the U.S. Army and now serves as president of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council.
