Daniel Fernandez

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Daniel Fernandez
June 30, 1944 (1944-06-30) – February 18, 1966 (aged 21)
Daniel Fernandez, Medal of Honor
Place of birth	Albuquerque, New Mexico
Place of death	KIA in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Rank	Specialist Fourth Class
Unit	1st Battalion, 5th Infantry (Mechanized)
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Medal of Honor Purple Heart

Daniel Fernandez (born 30 June 1944–18 February 1966) recipient of the Medal of Honor. He was the first Mexican American to receive that honor during the war in Vietnam.^[1] Fernandez awarded the United States' highest military decoration for valor in combat for his actions in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam in February 1966 — throwing himself on a live grenade, he sacrificed his life to save lives of the soldiers around him.

1 Medal of Honor citation
2 In memory
3 See also
4 Notes
5 References
6 Further reading

[edit] Medal of Honor 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 machine gun 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.