10 Apr 2001 The President of the United States in the name of the Congress of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR postumously to DANIEL FERNANDEZ Specialist Fourth Class United States Army for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SP4 Fernandez demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company and driven back by the intense enemy automatic weapons fire before it could evacuate an American soldier who had been wounded in the Viet Cong attack. SP4 Fernandez, a sergeant and 2 other volunteers immediately fought their way through devastating fire and exploding grenades to reach the fallen soldier. Upon reaching their fallen comrade the sergeant was struck in the knee by machinegun fire and immobilized. SP4 Fernandez took charge, rallied the left flank of his patrol and began to assist in the recovery of the wounded sergeant. While first aid was being administered to the wounded man, a sudden increase in the accuracy and intensity of enemy fire forced the volunteer group to take cover. As they did, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group, although some men did not see it. Realizing there was no time for the wounded sergeant or the other men to protect themselves from the grenade blast, SP4 Fernandez vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his 4 comrades at the sacrifice of his life. SP4 Fernandez' profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. He is remembered by the Bobcats of the 5th Infantry Randy Kethcart Randy@bobcat.ws

 

03 Feb 2006 I was reading postings for a class of mine. I came across the story of Daniel Hernandez and it touched me. His actions displayed the true meaning of the Army's values - personal courage. He commited the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life for the life of his fellow soldiers. I see him as a modern day martyr. I will remember him as this. Matteo Ghiotto ghiotto@mail.utexas.edu

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall Two soldiers died when a squad ambush from C Company, 1/5 Infantry, engaged 7 VC troops - SP4 Joseph T. Benton of Hertford, NC, by a sniper's bullet and SP4 Daniel Fernandez by grenade.

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