Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Miguel A Vera

Details
  • Rank: Private
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment,
    2d Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: September 21, 1952
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Chorwon, Korea
Citation

Private Miguel A. Vera distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an automatic rifleman with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division in Chorwon, Korea, on September 21, 1952. That morning, despite suffering from wounds inflicted in a previous battle, Private Vera voluntarily left the aid station to join his comrades in an attack against well-fortified enemy positions on a hill of great importance. When the assaulting elements had moved within twenty yards of the enemy positions, they were suddenly trapped by a heavy volume of mortar, artillery and small-arms fire. The company prepared to make a limited withdrawal, but Private Vera volunteered to remain behind to provide covering fire. As his companions moved to safety, Private Vera remained steadfast in his position, directing accurate fire against the hostile positions despite the intense volume of fire which the enemy was concentrating upon him. Later in the morning, when the friendly force returned, they discovered Private Vera in the same position, facing the enemy. Private Vera’s noble intrepidity and self-sacrifice saved many of his comrades’ lives. Private Vera’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Recipient Miguel A. Vera
Medal of Honor Recipient Miguel A. Vera
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Puerto Rico
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 18, 2014

    The White House to his nephew by President Barack Obama

  • Born: May 3, 1932, Puerto Rico
  • Died: September 21, 1952, near Chorwon, Korea
  • Buried: Remains moved on 20 Nov. 2014 from Utuado Municipal Cemetery, Puerto Rico; Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, United States
 

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