Years of service 1951-1952 Rank Private First Class | Name Fernando Garcia | |
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Born October 14, 1929Utuado, Puerto Rico ( 1929-10-14 ) Died September 5, 1952(1952-09-05) (aged 22)KIA in Korea Allegiance United States of America Service/branch |
Por la ave fernando luis garc a en utuado
Fernando Luis García (October 14, 1929 – September 5, 1952), was a United States Marine Corps private first class who was killed in action during the Korean War and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty on September 5, 1952. He was the first of nine Puerto Rican servicemen to be awarded the Medal of Honor and is the only Marine to be awarded the medal.
Contents
- Por la ave fernando luis garc a en utuado
- Feria de salud residencial fernando luis garc a
- Biography
- Korean War
- Medal of Honor citation
- Military awards
- In memory
- References
Feria de salud residencial fernando luis garc a
Biography

García (birth name: Fernando Luis García Ledesma ) was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico where he received his primary and secondary education. He moved to San Juan where he was hired by the Texas Company as a file clerk.
Korean War

On September 19, 1951, García joined the United States Marines Corps and received his recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina. After he graduated from "boot camp", he was promoted to private first class in December and was sent to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for more training before being sent to Korea in March 1952.
García was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On the night of his death, he and his company were posted about one mile from the enemy lines at "Outpost Bruce" in the "Bunker Hill" area. Chinese soldiers were attacking with artillery, mortars, and grenades. García was wounded and getting hand grenades from his acting platoon sergeant when an enemy grenade landed near them. García covered the grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to save the life of his fellow Marine who was wounded by the blast. García died instantly. For this heroic action, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
García's remains were never recovered.
Medal of Honor citation
On October 25, 1953, PFC García's parents were presented his Medal of Honor at a ceremony held in the Utuado City Hall.
Military awards
García's decorations and awards include: