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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients HERRERA, SILVESTRE S. Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division.
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Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients HERRERA, SILVESTRE S. Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division.
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Citation: He advanced with a platoon
along a wooded road until stopped by heavy enemy machinegun fire. As the rest of the
unit took cover, he made a 1-man frontal assault on a strongpoint 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 strongpoints and the taking of 8 prisoners.