Martin Lechuga

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Martin Lechuga (RA15960755), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Lechuga distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 April 1969 while serving as a rifleman with a platoon operating in Hau Nghia Province. His platoon was carrying out an intelligence mission when the lead man detected an enemy ambush in time to warn his comrades. A fire fight erupted, and the hostile forces were routed. Wishing to maintain contact with the fleeing enemy, the platoon pressed forward. On entering a wooded area, the friendly element cam under an enfilade from automatic weapons, rifle grenades, and mortars. On identifying the source of enemy fire to the left flank, Specialist Lechuga and a comrade began moving toward the emplacement. Just as they silenced the enemy position, they received heavy fire from another enemy fortification, which seriously wounded Specialist Lechuga’s comrade. Realizing that the hostile fusillade prevented his pulling the wounded man to safety, he placed himself in front of his comrade and began returning a hail of rifle fire. As a result of his attempt to save his fellow soldier’s life, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four Lechuga’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2025 (June 9, 1968)