|
Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients FERNANDEZ, DANIEL Rank and organization: Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry (Mechanized) 25th
Infantry Division.
|
|
Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients FERNANDEZ, DANIEL Rank and organization: Specialist
Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry (Mechanized) 25th
Infantry Division.
|
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Fernandez
demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle
company and driven back by the intense enemy automatic weapons fire before it could
evacuate an American soldier who had been wounded in the Viet Cong attack. Sp4c. Fernandez,
a sergeant and 2 other volunteers immediately fought their way through devastating
fire and exploding grenades to reach the fallen soldier. Upon reaching their fallen
comrade the sergeant was struck in the knee by machinegun fire and immobilized. Sp4c.
Fernandez took charge, rallied the left flank of his patrol and began to assist in
the recovery of the wounded sergeant. While first aid was being administered to the
wounded man, a sudden increase in the accuracy and intensity of enemy fire forced
the volunteer group to take cover. As they did, an enemy grenade landed in the midst
of the group, although some men did not see it. Realizing there was no time for the
wounded sergeant or the other men to protect themselves from the grenade blast, Sp4c.
Fernandez vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it
exploded, saving the lives of his 4 comrades at the sacrifice of his life. Sp4c. Fernandez'
profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great
credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.