Amante Bermundo

Amante Bermundo, 83, born on March 16, 1940, in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, passed away May 27, 2023. He resided in Bellflower, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress.

Amante Bermundo is survived by retired LBVA ICU Nurse Imelda Bermundo, as well as 5 children and 15 grandchildren.  

Amante was a member of the Exalted Order of Recoverers of US Manned Orbital Capsules (RUSMOC). In June 1965, participating in Gemini recovery operations, Amante sailed the Sargasso Sea with Commander Task Group Bravo on the USS Wasp (CVS-18) under the command of RADM William McCormick and ship's captain James Conger.  Aboard the GT-4 were USAF Majors James McDivitt and Edward White.  As an SD3, Amante was asked by the Chief Steward to prepare a light menu for McDivitt and White's first meal back from their mission. On Dec. 16, 1965, the USS Wasp recovered USN Capt. Walter Schirra Jr. and USAF Maj. Thomas Stafford aboard the GT 7-6. Two days later, under the command of USN RADM William Leonard, USAF Lt. Col. Frank Borman, and USN CDR James Lovell, Jr. were recovered aboard the GT 7. One month after that, Amante changed rate to Hospital Corpsman and last duty station at Great Lakes where he was honorably discharged in Aug.1969. In Amante's words, it was "a sight to behold these events and to have met these American heroes. It's a cherished experience that I share fondly and one I will never ever forget. Each time I reminisce about those days, I get goosebumps."