Medal of Honor: Lance Corporal José Francisco Jiménez, Vietnam War, August 28, 1969
A fearless Marine from Mexico City, José Francisco Jiménez led his men into the heart of a deadly ambush with unshakable resolve. His final act of courage cost him his life but saved countless others, leaving behind a legacy of honor and sacrifice.
August 28, 2025
Name: Lance Corporal José Francisco Jiménez
War: Vietnam War
Date of Action: August 28, 1969
Summary of Action
On August 28, 1969, in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, Lance Corporal Jiménez’s fire team was ambushed by North Vietnamese soldiers concealed in heavily camouflaged positions. Without hesitation, Jiménez took the fight directly to the enemy. Charging forward, he destroyed several enemy troops and silenced a key antiaircraft weapon. Shouting encouragement, he inspired his comrades to press the attack. Maneuvering to within ten feet of enemy gunners in a trench, he eliminated the position despite the hail of fire. Even when concentrated enemy fire marked him as their primary target, Jiménez kept pressing forward until he was mortally struck. His bold and aggressive leadership turned the tide, saved his squad from annihilation, and allowed the Marines to push through.
Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a fire team leader with Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in operations against the enemy. L/Cpl. Jimenez’ unit came under heavy attack by North Vietnamese soldiers concealed in well camouflaged emplacements. L/Cpl. Jimenez reacted by seizing the initiative and plunging forward toward the enemy positions. He personally destroyed several enemy personnel and silenced an antiaircraft weapon. Shouting encouragement to his companions, L/Cpl. Jimenez continued his aggressive forward movement. He slowly maneuvered to within 10 feet of hostile soldiers who were firing automatic weapons from a trench and, in the face of vicious enemy fire, destroyed the position. Although he was by now the target of concentrated fire from hostile gunners intent upon halting his assault, L/Cpl. Jimenez continued to press forward. As he moved to attack another enemy soldier, he was mortally wounded. L/Cpl. Jimenez’ indomitable courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.
