Bob Gutierrez’s car is his vessel.

A year ago, the Vietnam War veteran was presented with a brand-new Ford Fusion compliment of Phil Waterford’s Manteca Ford Mercury.

Gutierrez provides testimonial about his near-death experience as a result of being struck by enemy rocket in 1968 that slit his throat and destroyed a once promising singing career.

“He had five days left before he was scheduled to come home,” said his son B.J. on Tuesday.

He added, “At first, my father was thought to be dead – he had a toe-tag on his foot.”

Gutierrez survived but underwent post-traumatic stress some three years after his convalescence.

“He was a mute,” B.J. said.”But then, by some miracle, he grew back his vocal cords.”

Meanwhile, Waterford, the local dealer, had experienced an emotional and spiritual change of life after serving as master of ceremonies to the Memorial Day event in 2009. He did so upon the urging of Pastor Mike Dillman of the Place of Refuge.

“When you give, you always receive,” Waterford said.

He gave Gutierrez that first-ever Ford Fusion on his lot during a rather tough economy. It was Waterford’s way of supporting Gutierrez, who drove across the country to share his ministry.

“The car was given to Bob to thank him for his sacrifice and service to our country, and to let him know we’re proud of him,” said Waterford, who was presented last week with the State of California’s Small Business of the Year award from Assemblyman Bill Berryhill, R-Ceres,

Last Sunday, Waterford agreed to buy back the Fusion.

“That car was special because it marked a turning point in my life,” he said.

Waterford took notice of the mileage.

“Mr. Gutierrez put in three times the amount of what most people do in a year,” he added.

In turn, Waterford provided Gutierrez with a brand-new, fully-loaded Mercury Milan.

He gave the Fusion to World War II veteran Earl “The Pearl” Watson, who has lived a fascinating life.

Watson hit the beaches of Normandy during D-Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Rhine River. He was doorman to the stars, working at the Hollywood Knickerbocker Hotel, servicing the likes of Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio, to name a few.

He was once struck by a Nazi buzz bomb yet never received the Purple Heart.

It was only recently – about 65 years later – Watson received his seven war medals.

“I was so shocked that I almost had a heart attack,” he said.

Watson was in shock again when he received the keys to the Ford Fusion.

“Earl drives a lot but not as much as Bob,” Waterford said.