Medal of Honor: Candelario Garcia – Vietnam War – December 8, 1968
Pinned down by two enemy machine guns, one team leader charged through open fire—destroying both positions by himself, rescuing wounded soldiers, and leading his company in the assault that broke the enemy line.
December 9, 2025
Name: Candelario Garcia, Jr.
Rank: Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company B, 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division
Place and Date: Near Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam – 8 December 1968
Entered Service At: Texas (Dallas area – records list Dallas/Fort Worth induction)
Born: February 26, 1944 – Corsicana, Texas
Summary of Action
On December 8, 1968, during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Lai Khe, Sergeant Candelario Garcia’s company was suddenly pinned down by intense fire from two concealed enemy machine-gun bunkers. Several soldiers lay wounded in the open, unable to move. Any approach toward them drew immediate, accurate fire.
Without hesitation, Garcia rose from cover and charged directly at the first bunker. Sprinting across open ground under enemy fire, he hurled grenades into the position and killed the remaining defenders with rifle fire. Turning immediately toward the second machine-gun bunker, he launched another solo assault, destroying that emplacement as well and freeing his platoon from the deadly crossfire.
With the guns silenced, Garcia moved forward under sporadic fire to reach wounded soldiers. He helped carry them back to safety before rejoining his company for the renewed assault. Inspired by his actions, Company B pushed forward and overran the remaining enemy positions.
Garcia’s decisive courage, complete disregard for personal safety, and willingness to act alone at the critical moment saved lives and shattered the enemy defense.
Medal of Honor Citation
