Specialist four duran stood tall. And learning that two seriously wounded troopers were helplessly pinned down under fire, specialist four duran assaulted the enemy position on the run. He fired into the enemys foxhole, eliminating for and cutting down several others as they fled. You specialist four duran then again to poor effect fire on the fleeing enemy. His extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States army. [applause] and accepting on behalf of of sergeant Candelario Garcia. Sergeant Candelario Garcia distinguished it self by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an acting team leader for company b, first battalion, second infantry, first brigade, first Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in the republic of vietnam on december 8, 1968. While con
Sacrifice shall never be in vain. Thank you for what you all have done for our country. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the secretary of the army. Good morning. A very special day. Secretary hagel, sir, thank you obviously for your gracious words in your presence here today. As well for the tremendous leadership, steady hand youve brought to these very challenging times. Chief, mrs. O. , Sergeant Major, distinguished members of congress, all of the department of defense family, particularly those from the United States army, but especially to the families and the honorees who are with us here today, welcome. It is wonder to see all of you again. As ive become the 21st secretary of the army, ive had many occasions to attend some pretty Historic Events and i probably should go without saying today is certainly one of them. As president obama noted yesterday, this injunction serves as the largest single induction of medal of honor honorees since world war ii. 24 and amazing soldiers who
Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in korea on sepp 4, 1950. That evening under cover of darkness and a dreary mist, an enemy battalion moved to within a few yards of Master Sergeant penas platoon. Recognizing the enemys approach, Master Sergeant pena and his men owned fire, but the enemys sudden emergence and accurate pointblank fire forced the friendly troops to withdraw. Master Sergeant Pena rapidly reorganized his men and led them in a counterattack which succeeded in regaining the positions they had just lost. He and his men quickly established a defensive perimeter and laid down devastating fire, but enemy troops continued to hurl themselves at the defenses in overwhelming numbers. Realizing that their supply of ammunition would soon make their positions untenable, Master Sergeant pena covered his mens withdrawal. He single handlely handedly held back the enemy until he was killed. Master Sergeant Penas extraordinary heroism and the selflessness at the cost