Medal of Honor: Jay R. Vargas

Written By: Mike Piccione  |  Posted: Monday, September 13th, 2010

Col Vargas celebrated his 70th birthday last month. In his 29 years as a Marine, Col Vargas earned a Medal of Honor, a Silver Star and an amazing five Purple Hearts. Please take a moment to read the citation of a hero.
Rank: Major
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps
Company: Company G, 2d Battalion
Division: 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade
Born: 29 July 1940, Winslow, Ariz.
Departed: No
Entered Service At: Winslow, Ariz.
Place / Date: Dai Do, Republic of Vietnam, 30 April to 2 May 1968

Citation
Rank and organization: Major (then Capt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Place and date: Dai Do, Republic of Vietnam, 30 April to 2 May 1968. Entered service at: Winslow, Ariz. Born: 29 July 1940, Winslow, Ariz. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer, Company G, in action against enemy forces from 30 April to 2 May 1968. On 1 May 1968, though suffering from wounds he had incurred while relocating his unit under heavy enemy fire the preceding day, Maj. Vargas combined Company G with two other companies and led his men in an attack on the fortified village of Dai Do. Exercising expert leadership, he maneuvered his marines across 700 meters of open rice paddy while under intense enemy mortar, rocket and artillery fire and obtained a foothold in two hedgerows on the enemy perimeter, only to have elements of his company become pinned down by the intense enemy fire. Leading his reserve platoon to the aid of his beleaguered men, Maj. Vargas inspired his men to renew their relentless advance, while destroying a number of enemy bunkers.

Sign into your account to read the rest of this article. »