Aloysius Pang's NZ exercise mate pens tribute; says he's honoured to have served with him

Truly an exemplary soldier.

Joshua Lee | January 25, 2019, 11:00 AM

Tributes to actor and fallen soldier Aloysius Pang have been pouring in since his death was announced, mostly from his fellow artistes.

The 28-year-old was severely injured during a reservist exercise — Exercise Thunder Warrior — in New Zealand, and succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, Jan. 23.

On Thursday, Jan. 24, another tribute was posted online — this time, by Facebook user Chase Yap Baofa, who claims to be Pang's army mate.

Yap (extreme right) with army mates in New Zealand. Image via Yap's Facebook page.

It appears that Yap is in the same battalion as Pang and took part in the same exercise too.

It is a moving tribute, one that reveals Pang as a hardworking soldier who was trusted by his team mates.

The memories Yap shared — of Pang carrying his field pack, rifle, and helmet, and bringing him meals — show a soldier who cares deeply for his team mates.

Have a read:

In case you can't read the above:

"Aloyious Pang

I don't like him, and I always have the impression that he don't like me too.

ICT in Singapore I always had the impression he's the guy who does nothing, sit in the tonner and seldom get called up for duties.. I'm not well liked by him too, me the signaler, always look like the slacker, just sit in the bronco while tech squad does the real work..

But this ICT it was different. Our battalion fired live rounds. That's when I saw Aloyious worked hard. For the 3 days I was out in the field, I hear my MTO keep calling for Aloyious for advice.. He is well trusted by the team.. knows his stuff, giving very clear advices and suggestions to our MTO on what actions to take on the repair of the guns..

I remember him as the guy who always sit opposite of me in the bronco behind the driver..

I remember him being the guy who brings me my meals, as I'm still in the signaller seat manning comms..

I remember him being the guy who looks up at me when I changed the anntena on top of the bronco when it was raining to make sure I don't fall..

I remember him, being the guy that when I sprained my leg this ICT and was about to be sent back to camp, the guy who carried my field pack, riffle and helmet to me..

I remember the last words exchanged that day, was to take care, rest well.. And thank you..

Rest In Peace Aloysius..

Been an honor to serve with you.."

Truly an exemplary soldier indeed.

More on Aloysius Pang's journey home:

Singaporeans reflect on Aloysius Pang's passing:

And here's an overview of what happened:

Top images by Chase Yap and Aloysius Pang's Facebook pages.