"He advanced with a platoon along a wooded road until stopped by heavy enemy machine gun
fire. As the rest of the unit took cover, he made a 1-man frontal
assault on a strong point and captured 8 enemy soldiers. When the platoon
resumed its advance and was subjected to fire from a second emplacement
beyond an extensive minefield,
Pvt. Herrera again moved forward, disregarding the danger of exploding
mines, to attack the position. He stepped on a mine and had both feet
severed but, despite intense pain and unchecked loss of blood, he pinned
down the enemy with accurate rifle fire while a friendly squad captured
the enemy gun by skirting the minefield and rushing in from the flank. The magnificent courage, extraordinary heroism, and willing
self-sacrifice displayed by Pvt. Herrera resulted in the capture of 2
enemy strong points and the taking of 8 prisoners."
From Pvt. Herrera's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on August 23, 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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