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Episode 2662 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Veteran Jorge Otero Barreto who is known as Puerto Rico’s Rambo. The featured story appeared in The Military Times and was titled: This ‘Puerto Rican Rambo’ went on 200 combat missions in Vietnam. It was submitted by Jon Simkins. He is a writer and editor for Military Times, and a USMC veteran.
In his story, Simkins reported that Jorge Otero Barreto joined the Army in 1959 after pursuing biology studies in college. Less than two years later, he embarked on his first deployment, one of five such tours he would make to the embattled nation between 1961 and 1970 as a member of the 101st Airborne, 82nd Airborne and 25th Infantry Division, among others.
Over the course of five deployments, Otero Barreto volunteered for approximately 200 combat missions — a lofty number that eventually earned him the moniker “The Puerto Rican Rambo,” after the fictional death-dealing character made famous by actor Sylvester Stallone.
He would earn 38 total commendations during the five combat tours, including three Silver Stars, five Purple Hearts, five Bronze Stars, five Air Medals and four Army Commendation Medals.
SYNOPSIS of one of his Silver Star awards: Platoon Sergeant Jorge Otero-Barreto (ASN: RA-50156967), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Jorge Otero Barreto is a tremendous representative of the Vietnam Veteran Generation – one as great as any that ever heeded the call of duty from our country.
Listen to Episode 2662 and discover more about Vietnam Jorge Otero Barreto who is known as Puerto Rico’s Rambo.