Rattler/Firebird Association


Remembering Tony Catalina

Served with Rattlers & Firebirds in: 70-71
Died: February 1999
Cause: Liver Transplant

Tony Catalina

User Comments

Posted by: Mike Friel

Date: Oct 13, 2020

Comment: A truly great American. Tony always did the right thing. All of us that served with Tony know in our hearts that on one occasion or another Tony’s professionalism, his total commitment to his fellow soldiers and his unwavering determination played a major role in keeping us safe in some very tough situations. Tony was one of the best, a genuine American hero. I’m proud to have know him.

Posted by: ron taylor

Date: Mar 1, 2005

Comment: I have very fond memories of Catalina. While in Quang Tri one day he took several of the newbie crew chiefs down to the perimeter wire and showed us how to fire a free gun. He knew what it was going to take to keep us alive. The man never asked for anything and was always willing to give of himself. I credit him with keeping me alive while there and will never forget him. I have one great photo of him in the tent city in Quang Tri if anyone wants one.

Posted by: paul diebold

Date: Dec 3, 2004

Comment: I flew with "Cat" on a number of times and what he did that day surprised no one that knew him well! He called me about a year and a half after we both had returned to the States to hook up with me when he was travelling across going to Calif. For some reason we never got together and to this day, it's one of my saddest regrets in life. You really don't appreciate an occasion or a person I guess until they or it are no longer there! Like everything else in this world, it is a sadder place without him!
Rest Well Tony!!

Posted by: dennis moore

Date: Sep 22, 2004

Comment: I remember the "fat cat" saving our asses at lolo and delta . rest in peace cat. "D"

Posted by: Steve Plotkin

Date: Mar 8, 2004

Comment: I loved that little Italian Dude was a very nice guy and a good man

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