Hector Santiago-Colon

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Hector Santiago-Colon (ASN: 67040103), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 28 June 1968. Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a gunner in the mortar platoon of Company B. While serving as a perimeter sentry, Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon heard distinct movement in the heavily wooded area to his front and flanks. Immediately he alerted his fellow sentries in the area to move to their foxholes and remain alert for any enemy probing forces. From the wooded area around his position heavy enemy automatic weapons and small-arms fire suddenly broke out, but extreme darkness rendered difficult the precise location and identification of the hostile force. Only the muzzle flashes from enemy weapons indicated their position. Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon and the other members of his position immediately began to repel the attackers, utilizing hand grenades, antipersonnel mines and small-arms fire. Due to the heavy volume of enemy fire and exploding grenades around them, a North Vietnamese soldier was able to crawl, undetected, to their position. Suddenly, the enemy soldier lobbed a hand grenade into Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon's foxhole. Realizing that there was no time to throw the grenade out of his position, Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon retrieved the grenade, tucked it in to his stomach and, turning away from his comrades, absorbed the full impact of the blast. His heroic self-sacrifice saved the lives of those who occupied the foxhole with him, and provided them with the inspiration to continue fighting until they had forced the enemy to retreat from the perimeter. By his gallantry at the cost of his life and in the highest traditions of the military service, Specialist Fourth Class Santiago-Colon has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 24 (April 23, 1970)

Action Date: 28-Jun-68

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Company B

Battalion: 5th Battalion

Regiment: 7th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division