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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients GONZALEZ, ALFREDO Rank and organization: Sergeant,
U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein),
FMF.
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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients GONZALEZ, ALFREDO Rank and organization: Sergeant,
U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein),
FMF.
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Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
as platoon commander, 3d Platoon, Company A. On 31 January 1968, during the initial
phase of Operation Hue City, Sgt. Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction force and
deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city. While moving by truck
convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of Lang Van Lrong, the marines received
a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sgt. Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the marines in
his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately
after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire.
One of the marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed
position. With complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept
area to the assistance of his injured comrade. He lifted him up and though receiving
fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded marine to a covered
position for treatment. Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from
a fortified machinegun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily
halted. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sgt. Gonzalez exposed himself to the
enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering rice paddy to
a dike directly across from the bunker. Though fully aware of the danger involved,
he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades.
Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, he steadfastly refused medical treatment
and continued to supervise his men and lead the attack. On 4 February, the enemy had
again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons
and rocket fire. Sgt. Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons,
fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified
enemy emplacements. He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much
of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded. The heroism, courage, and dynamic
leadership displayed by Sgt. Gonzalez reflected great credit upon himself and the
Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.