Citation...
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty:
Specialist Four Jesus S. Duran distinguished himself by acts of
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as an acting M-60 machinegunner in Company E, 2d Battalion,
5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat
operations against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on
April 10, 1969.
That afternoon, the reconnaissance platoon was moving into an
elaborate enemy bunker complex when the lead elements began taking
concentrated ambush fire from every side. The command post was in
imminent danger of being overrun. With an M-60 machinegun blazing
from his hip, Specialist Four Duran rushed forward and assumed a
defensive position near the command post.
As hostile forces stormed forward, Specialist Four Duran stood
tall in a cloud of dust raised by the impacting rounds and bursting
grenades directed towards him and thwarted the enemy with
devastating streams of machinegun fire. Learning that two seriously
wounded troopers lay helplessly pinned down under harassing fire,
Specialist Four Duran assaulted the suppressive enemy positions,
firing deadly bursts on the run. Mounting a log, he fired directly
into the enemy's foxholes, eliminating four and cutting down several
others as they fled. Specialist Four Duran then continued to pour
effective fire on the disorganized and fleeing enemy.
Specialist Four Duran's extraordinary heroism and selflessness
above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest
traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Medal of Honor Ceremony on March 18, 2014
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