More information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/after-40-years-texas-military-hero-laid-to-rest-at-natl-cemetery/

Medal of Honor recipient, Army Sgt. Candelario Garcia. Garcia was deployed to Vietnam December 8, 1968, as part of the 1st Infantry Division. While on patrol near Lai Khe, his platoon found an enemy base camp. As the platoon advanced they came under intense fire. Disregarding the hail of bullets, Garcia crawled within 10 meters of an enemy machine gun bunker before charging it. He then threw two grenades through the gun ports, killing the four enemy troops inside. 

Exposing himself again to intense fire, he raced to another bunker and killed three more defenders. 

He then risked his life a third time, to rescue two injured comrades. 

Finally, he rejoined the company in an assault which overran the enemy position. 

Garcia died January 10, 2013 at the age of 70. 

You can learn more about Garcia at https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/valor24/recipients/garcia/?f=recipient_list


Soldiers from December Battle December 8 1968 

Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

Featured on page 14 of "The Soldier’s Experience:
Letters from Four American Wars", a lesson plan from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Vietnam War Solider's Story about Candelario Garcia Jr.

Grave marker image for (CANDELARIO GARCIA).

Sgt Candelario Garcia was no ordinary soldier and yet the history of his service will define his character and bravery. 

Candy was a unique character that was No Ordinary Soldier. It was my honor to have known such a brave man.

NCA salutes #usarmy #VietnamWar Veteran, Sgt. Candelario Garcia, Jr. A native of Texas, Garcia enlisted in in 1963, and was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, referred to as the Big Red One. He received the #MOH, March 14, 2014, posthumously, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above the call of duty. While acting as team leader, Garcia initiated an attempt to aid wounded comrades and opened himself to enemy fire. He eliminated two enemy machine-gun positions, Dec. 8, 1968, near Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam. A highly decorated soldier, Garcia also earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart among several others.

Garcia's father was Killed in Action in Germany during WWII. He was 30 years old.

CANDELARIO GARCIA JR

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