World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Private First Class, United States Army, Company E, U.S. 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division. Born of Hispanic heritage, he was awarded the CMOH for heroic actions near Mertzwiller, France, on March 15, 1945. His citation reads: "He advanced with a platoon along a wooded road until stopped by heavy enemy machinegun fire. As the rest of the unit took cover, he made a 1-man frontal assault on a strongpoint and captured 8 enemy soldiers. When the platoon resumed its advance and was subjected to fire from a second emplacement beyond an extensive minefield, Pvt. Herrera again moved forward, disregarding the danger of exploding mines, to attack the position. He stepped on a mine and had both feet severed but, despite intense pain and unchecked loss of blood, he pinned down the enemy with accurate rifle fire while a friendly squad captured the enemy gun by skirting the minefield and rushing in from the flank. The magnificent courage, extraordinary heroism, and willing self-sacrifice displayed by Pvt. Herrera resulted in the capture of 2 enemy strongpoints and the taking of 8 prisoners". His medal was awarded to him by President Harry S. Truman on August 23, 1945.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Private First Class, United States Army, Company E, U.S. 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division. Born of Hispanic heritage, he was awarded the CMOH for heroic actions near Mertzwiller, France, on March 15, 1945. His citation reads: "He advanced with a platoon along a wooded road until stopped by heavy enemy machinegun fire. As the rest of the unit took cover, he made a 1-man frontal assault on a strongpoint and captured 8 enemy soldiers. When the platoon resumed its advance and was subjected to fire from a second emplacement beyond an extensive minefield, Pvt. Herrera again moved forward, disregarding the danger of exploding mines, to attack the position. He stepped on a mine and had both feet severed but, despite intense pain and unchecked loss of blood, he pinned down the enemy with accurate rifle fire while a friendly squad captured the enemy gun by skirting the minefield and rushing in from the flank. The magnificent courage, extraordinary heroism, and willing self-sacrifice displayed by Pvt. Herrera resulted in the capture of 2 enemy strongpoints and the taking of 8 prisoners". His medal was awarded to him by President Harry S. Truman on August 23, 1945.
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
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MEDAL OF HONOR
SGT US ARMY WORLD WAR II
PURPLE HEART
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