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Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, RVN. Place and date: Tay Ninh
Province, Republic of Vietnam, 8 November 1966. Entered service at:
Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Born: 1 March 1938, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. Capt. Rubio, Infantry, was serving as communications
officer, 1st Battalion, when a numerically superior enemy force
launched a massive attack against the battalion defense position.
Intense enemy machinegun fire raked the area while mortar rounds and
rifle grenades exploded within the perimeter. |
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Leaving the relative safety of his post, Capt.
Rubio received 2 serious wounds as he braved the withering fire
to go to the area of most intense action where he distributed
ammunition, re-established positions and rendered aid to the
wounded. Disregarding the painful wounds, he unhesitatingly assumed command when a rifle company commander was medically evacuated. Capt. Rubio was wounded a third time as he selflessly exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire to move among his men to encourage them to fight with renewed effort. While aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel, he noted that a smoke grenade which was intended to mark the Viet Cong position for air strikes had fallen dangerously close to the friendly lines. Capt. Rubio ran to reposition the grenade but was immediately struck to his knees by enemy fire. Despite his several wounds, Capt. Rubio scooped up the grenade, ran through the deadly hail of fire to within 20 meters of the enemy position and hurled the already smoking grenade into the midst of the enemy before he fell for the final time. Using the repositioned grenade as a marker, friendly air strikes were directed to destroy the hostile positions. Capt. Rubio's singularly heroic act turned the tide of battle, and his extraordinary leadership and valor were a magnificent inspiration to his men. His remarkable bravery and selfless concern for his men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on Capt. Rubio and the U.S. Army. | |
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Rubio, Euripides
