..Puerto
Rican....
Hero
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Capt. Euripides Rubio
U.S Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company
1st. Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division,
RVN
Place & Date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam,
8 November 1966
Entered Service at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Born
: 1 March 1938 ,
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Citation : For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. Capt. Rubio, Infantry, was serving as communications officer,
1st Battalion, when a numerically superior enemy force launched a massive
attack against the battalion defense position. Intense enemy machine-gun
fire raked the area while mortar rounds and rifle grenades exploded within
the perimeter. Leaving the relative safety of his post, Capt. Rubio received
2 serious wounds as he braved the withering fire to go to the area of most
intense action where he distributed ammunition, re-established positions
and rendered aid to the wounded. Disregarding the painful wounds, he unhesitatingly
assumed command when a rifle company commander was medically evacuated.
Capt. Rubio was wounded a third time as he selflessly exposed himself to
the devastating enemy fire to move among his men to encourage them to fight
with renewed effort. While aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel,
he noted that a smoke grenade which was intended to mark the Viet Cong
position for air strikes had fallen dangerously close to the friendly lines.
Capt. Rubio ran to reposition the grenade but was immediately struck to
his knees by enemy fire. Despite his several wounds, Capt. Rubio
scooped up the grenade, ran through the deadly hail of fire to within 20
meters of the enemy position and hurled the already smoking grenade into
the midst of the enemy before he fell for the final time. Using the repositioned
grenade as a marker, friendly air strikes were directed to destroy the
hostile positions. Capt. Rubio's singularly heroic act turned the tide
of battle, and his extraordinary leadership and valor were a magnificent
inspiration to his men. His remarkable bravery and selfless concern for
his men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service
and reflect great credit on Capt. Rubio and the U.S. Army.