THE WALL OF FACES

Specialist Four Daniel Fernandez

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Daniel Fernandez, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Cu Chi, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 18 February 1966. Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company and driven back by the intense enemy automatic weapons fire before it could evacuate an American soldier who had been wounded in the Viet Cong attack. Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez, a sergeant and two other volunteers immediately fought their way through devastating fire and exploding grenades to reach the fallen soldier. Upon reaching their fallen comrade the sergeant was struck in the knee by machinegun fire and immobilized. Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez took charge, rallied the left flank of his patrol and began to assist in the recovery of the wounded sergeant. While first aid was being administered to the wounded man, a sudden increase in the accuracy and intensity of enemy fire forced the volunteer group to take cover. As they did, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group, although some men did not see it. Realizing there was no time for the wounded sergeant or the other men to protect themselves from the grenade blast, Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his four comrades at the sacrifice of his life. Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez' profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/545

Daniel, I don’t know if we have ever met, I grew up in Belen, our sport teams were rivals but Belen boys dated Los Lunas girls and vice versa. You & I were in Nam at same time. I was In northern part. Think about you a lot especially when I visit family in Belen & Peralta. Thank you for your service and God Bless.

Photo submitted by Tom Clark, Teacher and students of Lake Central High School. Photo from the AP Wire Service.

Dear Sp4 Daniel Fernandez,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. It is Labor Day weekend, and we remember you all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Daniel.