Maximo Yabes

Maximo Yabes was a United States Army First Sergeant who posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration, for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. Born in Lodi, California, Yabes served with Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On February 26, 1967, near Phu Hoa Dong in South Vietnam, his company's position came under intense enemy attack.

During the assault, First Sergeant Yabes distinguished himself through a series of selfless actions. He used his own body as a shield to protect others in a bunker from incoming grenades, moved two wounded comrades to a safer position where they could receive medical treatment, and single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine-gun position. Despite being mortally wounded during these actions, his courage and leadership inspired his men to successfully defend their perimeter.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Yabes was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and multiple foreign and service decorations. His legacy of valor remains an inspiring example of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty within the annals of the United States Army.