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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SP4 Héctor Santiago-Colón.
Medal of Honor
Episode 2988 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SP4 Héctor Santiago-Colón. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.
U.S. Army Specialist Four Héctor Santiago-Colón was a true hero of the Vietnam War, earning the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary self-sacrifice and bravery in combat. Born in Salinas, Puerto Rico, Santiago-Colón enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with Company B, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).
On June 28, 1968, during an intense firefight in Quảng Trị Province, Vietnam, Santiago-Colón and his unit came under heavy enemy attack. As enemy grenades rained down on their position, one landed dangerously close to his comrades. Without hesitation, Santiago-Colón shouted a warning and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full impact with his body. His selfless act saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but cost him his own.
For his extraordinary courage and ultimate sacrifice, Santiago-Colón was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 7, 1970. His citation praised his heroic gallantry and profound sense of duty.
Today, Santiago-Colón’s legacy endures as a symbol of Puerto Rican military valor and selfless service. His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and he is honored at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, where a training facility bears his name.
His sacrifice exemplifies the highest ideals of the U.S. Army—loyalty, duty, and personal courage. Specialist Héctor Santiago-Colón is remembered as a true American hero, whose bravery and dedication continue to inspire generations.
Listen to Episode 2988 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SP4 Héctor Santiago-Colón.
