RALPH E. DIAS Que Son, Vietnam Nov. 12, 1969
Marine Pfc. Ralph Dias was part of a reaction force that found itself pinned down by enemy fi re Nov. 12, 1969, while assisting a platoon in the Que Son Mountains. As both units took heavy casualties, Dias initiated an aggressive assault against an enemy machine-gun bunker that was providing the majority of the hostile fi re. Dias was severely wounded by enemy snipers while running across the open area but managed to fi nd shelter behind a nearby rock. Unde- terred, he raced forward yet again, only to be wounded a second time. Unable to walk, Dias crawled 15 meters to another rock near his objective, then exposed himself to enemy fi re several times as he unsuccessfully threw grenades at the enemy position. Intent on taking out the enemy, Dias was wounded a third time by sniper fi re but managed to throw one fi nal grenade, destroying the enemy machine-gun nest, before being mortally wounded. Many American lives were saved by Dias’ brave actions.
ROLL CALL: HISPANIC MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS Below is a listing of Hispanic recipients of the Medal of Honor who served during the Vietnam War:
Spc. Leonard L. Alvarado, USA Spc. John P. Baca, USA
Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez, USA
Staff Sgt. Félix M. Conde-Falcón, USA Lance Cpl. Emilio A. De La Garza, USMC Pfc. Ralph E. Dias, USMC Spc. Jesus S. Duran, USA Spc. Santiago J. Erevia, USA Spc. Daniel Fernandez, USA Sgt. Candelario Garcia, USA
Sgt. Alfredo Cantu Gonzalez, USMC Lance Cpl. José Francisco Jiménez, USMC
IMAGES: ABOVE LEFT, USMC; ABOVE RIGHT, COLIN HAYES
Lance Cpl. Miguel Keith, USMC Pvt. Carlos Lozada, USA Spc. Alfred V. Rascon, USA Sgt. Louis R. Rocco, USA Sgt. Jose Rodela, USA
Capt. Eurípides Rubio, USA
Spc. Héctor Santiago-Colón, USA Sgt. Elmelindo Rodrigues Smith, USA Maj. Jay R. Vargas, USMC
Capt. Humbert Roque Versace, USA 1st Sgt. Maximo Yabes, USA
OCTOBER 2015 MILITARY OFFICER 57
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