Martin Lechuga

The database page for Martin Lechuga

Martin Lechuga was with a relative of mine, Gonzalo Villasenor, on 4/11/69. They were with the CRIP component of the 1/5 (Mech), seeking out the Viet Cong Infrastructure in Hua Nghia Province. They were ambushed from a fortified enemy position. Chalo Villasenor was firing the M-60, and Martin was feeding it. Martin and Chalo, due to the threat they posed the enemy, received a heavy volume of enemy fire. They courageously laid down a volume of suppresive fire, allowing other members of the CRIP element to overrun the ememy position, terminating any resistence. Remembered by his comrades-in-arms of the 5th Infantry Regiment Bobcats A note from The Virtual Wall Martin Lechuga, Corporal, United States Army, was buried on 21 April 1969 in Plot W-1986, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas, among other men of courage and integrity.

17 April 2003 REMEMBERED by his comrades in the 5th Infantry DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY VIETNAM APO San Francisco 96375 9 June 1969 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 2025 AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. LECHUGA, MARTIN RA15960755 SPECIALIST FOUR UNITED STATES ARMY HHC, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross Date action: 11 April 1969 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Lechuga distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 April 1969 while serving as a rifleman with a platoon operating in Hau Nghia Province. His platoon was carrying out an intelligence mission when the lead man detected an enemy ambush in time to warn his comrades. A fire fight erupted, and the hostile forces were routed. Wishing to maintain contact with the fleeing enemy, the platoon pressed forward. On entering a wooded area, the friendly element cam under an enfilade from automatic weapons, rifle grenades, and mortars. On identifying the source of enemy fire to the left flank, Specialist Lechuga and a comrade began moving toward the emplacement. Just as they silenced the enemy position, they received heavy fire from another enemy fortification, which seriously wounded Specialist Lechuga's comrade. Realizing that the hostile fusillade prevented his pulling the wounded man to safety, he placed himself in front of his comrade and began returning a hail of rifle fire. As a result of his attempt to save his fellow soldier's life, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four Lechuga's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963. SP4 Gonzalo H Villasenor , Martin Lechuga's comrade, also was awarded a posthumuous DCS. From a fellow Bobcat, Randy Kethcart randy@bobcat.ws

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 08/10/2009