..PUERTO
RICAN...
HERO
Congresional Medal of Honor Recipient
Pfc. Fernando Luis Garcia
U.S. Marine Corps, Company I, 3rd Battalion
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Korea, 5 September 1952. Entered service at : San
Juan, Puerto Rico
Born: 14 October 1929, Utuado, P.R.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty
while serving as a member of Company I, in action against enemy aggressor
forces. While participating in the defense of a combat outpost located
more than 1 mile forward of the main line of resistance during a savage
night attack by a fanatical enemy force employing grenades, mortars, and
artillery, Pfc. Garcia, although suffering painful wounds, moved through
the intense hail of hostile fire to a supply point to secure more hand
grenades. Quick to act when a hostile grenade landed nearby, endangering
the life of another marine, as well as his own, he unhesitatingly chose
to sacrifice himself and immediately threw his body upon the deadly
missile, receiving the full impact of the explosion. His great personal
valor and cool decision in the face of almost certain death sustain and
enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.