Candelario Garcia

Two enemy machine-gun bunkers. Wounded soldiers trapped in the open. A battlefield swept by deadly fire. On 8 December 1968, Sergeant Candelario Garcia made a decision that would save lives and earn him America's highest military decoration. Yet the full recognition of his extraordinary courage would not come until after his death.

Born on 26 February 1944 in Corsicana, Texas, Candelario Garcia enlisted in the United States Army on 28 May 1963. During the Vietnam War, he served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, famously known as the Big Red One. A determined infantryman and combat leader, Garcia repeatedly demonstrated exceptional bravery against heavily armed enemy forces.

His courage was already evident on 24 August 1968, during a reconnaissance operation near Loc Ninh, South Vietnam. Serving as a Specialist Fourth Class, Garcia advanced across exposed ground under intense rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire. He killed an enemy soldier preparing to throw a grenade, fought his way through hostile trenches and assaulted a fortified bunker. His actions helped defeat a numerically superior North Vietnamese force. For this gallantry, he received the Silver Star under 1st Infantry Division General Orders No. 11324, dated 25 October 1968.

But Garcia's most remarkable battle was still ahead. On 8 December 1968, during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Lai Khe, his platoon discovered signs of an enemy base camp before coming under devastating fire. Several American soldiers were wounded and left exposed. Rather than remain behind cover, Garcia crawled to within ten meters of an enemy machine-gun bunker, sprang forward under fire and attacked with his rifle and hand grenades, killing its four defenders. Without hesitation, he charged a second bunker fifteen meters away and eliminated three more enemy soldiers. He then returned through the gunfire to rescue two wounded comrades before rejoining his company's successful assault.

For these extraordinary actions, Garcia initially received the Distinguished Service Cross. Decades later, a congressionally mandated review of military valor awards led to its upgrade to the Medal of Honor. His official citation recognized his exceptional courage, selflessness and willingness to risk his life far beyond the call of duty.

Garcia's distinguished service was also recognized through the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal and two awards of the Army Commendation Medal, including a Combat V Device. His record included the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with eleven campaign participation credits. South Vietnam honored him with the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. His service also included recognition through the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm and Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation. He additionally earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle.

Candelario Garcia died on 10 January 2013, aged 68. On 18 March 2014, President Barack Obama presented his Medal of Honor posthumously at the White House, with Command Sergeant Major Michael Grinston accepting it on his behalf.

More than forty-five years after the battle near Lai Khe, Garcia's heroism finally received the nation's highest recognition. His legacy is not simply the story of a decorated Vietnam War soldier. It is the story of a man who repeatedly advanced into danger when others needed him most, whose courage saved lives and whose extraordinary service continues to inspire generations.