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                Daniel FERNANDEZ
                             Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam
                   He Gallantly gave His Life for His Country, age 22

Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry (Mechanized) 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Cu Chi, Hau Nghia Province,
Republic of Vietnam, 18 February 1966.

Entered service at: Albuquerque, N. Mex.
Born: 30 June 1944, Albuquerque, N. Mex.
c.o. No.: 21, 26 April 1967.
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 machinegun 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.

Daniel Fernandez lived in Las Lunas, New Mexico when he enlisted in the service.