Baca, John P. Medal of Honor Recipient, United States of America. Specialist Fourth Class,U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Entered service at: Fort Ord, Calif. Born: 10 January 1949, Providence, R.l. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty February 10, 1970 Republic of Vietnam, Baca unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Military History
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Baca, John P. Medal of Honor Recipient, United States of America. Specialist Fourth Class,U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Entered service at: Fort Ord, Calif. Born: 10 January 1949, Providence, R.l. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty February 10, 1970 Republic of Vietnam, Baca unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
 
 















Baca, John P. Medal of Honor Recipient, United States of America. Specialist Fourth Class,U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Entered service at: Fort Ord, Calif. Born: 10 January 1949, Providence, R.l. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty February 10, 1970 Republic of Vietnam, Baca unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Baca, John P. Medal of Honor Recipient, United States of America. Specialist Fourth Class,U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Entered service at: Fort Ord, Calif. Born: 10 January 1949, Providence, R.l. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty February 10, 1970 Republic of Vietnam, Baca unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

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Here's a photo of Lt. Richard Gomez Candelaria as a member of the 435th Fighter Squadron, 479th Fighter Group, courtesy of the 479th FG Museum.   By Santiago A. Flores

        Lt. Richard Gomez Candelaria
 


 
 




      Formation of P-51's of  the 435th FS over Europe.
 


 
 

      Side view of a P-51D of the 435th FS, 479th FG

                 Profile:  "Aces & Wingmen


 
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