A Goliad Woman’s Courageous Contribution to the Vietnam War Effort
As we commemorate Memorial Day, a day to honour the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, we shine the spotlight on a remarkable woman from Goliad, Texas, who played her part in the Vietnam War effort. Esperanza "Hope" de los Santos Debo, a native of Cuero, Texas, born on June 16, 1949, to Jose and Maria Cantu de los Santos, is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of women who served their country during a tumultuous period in American history.
According to The Goliad Advance Guard, Hope de los Santos Debo, a proud resident of Goliad County, grew up on a ranch, embodying the values of small-town Texas, and it was these values that drove her to join the Navy in 1968, when she graduated from high school. Her parents, unable to afford to send two girls to college, encouraged her to enlist, and she did so with the aim of becoming a nurse. In an interview with The Goliad Advance Guard, Debo shared her inspiring story, saying, "I told them I would join the Navy and get my education that way. I wanted to be a nurse."
Debo’s experiences in the Navy were nothing short of remarkable. As a small-town girl, she encountered many "firsts," including being the first female in her family to join the Service, staying in a hotel by herself, flying on an airplane, riding a limo, and being in a big city by herself. She recalled these adventures with great fondness, stating, "I had lots of firsts… I was in awe with every adventure." The Goliad Advance Guard reported that Debo attended basic training in Bainbridge, Maryland, and later completed a 14-week medical training course in Great Lakes, Illinois, graduating in April 1969.
Stationed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, at a shipyard and submarine base on a small island off Kitty, Maine, Debo worked in the delivery and labor ward, helping to deliver many babies, including a set of twins. Her duties later took her to an outpatient surgical clinic, and she was eventually transferred to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, now known as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. There, she worked in the ER and the outpatient pediatric clinic, where she recalled a particularly memorable experience as a medic, sewing sutures to a cut finger and a head wound.
One of the most poignant moments in Debo’s career came when she was part of the team that received Vietnam POWs at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Her experiences during the war had a profound impact on her, and she proudly considers herself a Vietnam War Veteran. As The Goliad Advance Guard reported, Debo reflected on her time in the Navy, saying, "I enjoyed my tour in the Navy. Maybe because I am in awe with every adventure." Her humility and bravery in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to all who know her story.
Debo’s travels also took her to significant historical sites, including the USS Arizona Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. She shared her emotional experience of visiting these sites with The Goliad Advance Guard, saying, "If you ever have a chance to visit the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, you should… It was very emotional for me, especially the oil that is still coming up from the ship after 83 years." Her words serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served their country, and the importance of honouring their memories.
In reflecting on Memorial Day, Debo’s words, as reported by The Goliad Advance Guard, are particularly poignant: "Memorial Day to me was a day to stop, reflect and remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives for our country. Imagine how scared and yet so brave, volunteering, enlisting and going to war not knowing what their future held for them." As we honour the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we also recognise the contributions of women like Esperanza "Hope" de los Santos Debo, who have served their country with courage and distinction.
Source: The Goliad Advance Guard – Goliad woman did her part during Vietnam War effort
