Lost medallion returned to war hero’s family after 30 year search
Published: November 13, 2007
Veterans Day is a time when many vets honor their comradery with each other. But for one Tucson man, it’s a day to relive a promise.
Federico Tapia’s best friend died in his arms during the Vietnam War. It’s a memory he shares with his family every Veterans Day.
“I go back to Vietnam,” Tapia said as he described what goes through his mind every Veterans Day. “What happened the same day that he died and what we did. What he did for me.”
His friend, Richard Calderon, was shot and knew he was going to die. So he gave his St. Christopher medallion to Federico with one request - to give it to his father.
“So I promised to him that I was going to give it back to his dad, not knowing how I’m going to do it, where I’m going to find him,” Tapia said.
Fate found its way at Richard’s gravesite more than 30 years later when Federico ran into his friend’s relative. The man directed Federico to Richard’s father. Weeks later, Federico was able to keep his promise and hand the medallion over.
“That was the wish that he asked me to do, and I finally did it,” Tapia said.
Every year he brings his family to Holy Hope Cemetery where he shares the story, which his family says puts a face on the holiday.
“You see it,” Federico’s son Abel said. “The story behind it, two men, looking out for each other, and their families got together.”
A chapter one man thought was closed, but will be continued through his family.
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