Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Jesus S Duran

Details
  • Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry,
    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: April 10, 1969
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Tay Ninh, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

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 machine gunner 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 Recipient Jesus S. Duran
Medal of Honor Recipient Jesus S. Duran
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: California
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 18, 2014

    The White House presented to his daughter by President Barack Obama

  • Born: July 26, 1948, Juarez, Mexico
  • Died: February 17, 1977, Riverside, CA, United States
  • Buried: Olivewood Memorial Park, Riverside, CA, United States
 

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