Valor 24: Staff Sgt. Felix M. Conde-Falcon

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.21.2014

Courtesy Photo

Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

Medal of Honor candidate Staff Sgt. Felix M. Conde-Falcon was born in Juncos, Puerto Rico, Feb. 24, 1938, and raised in Chicago, Ill. Conde-Falcon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions, while serving as a platoon leader during a sweep operation in the vicinity of Ap Tan Hoa, Vietnam, April 4, 1969. Entering a heavily wooded section on the route of advance, the company encountered an extensive enemy bunker complex, later identified as a battalion command post. Following tactical artillery and air strikes on the heavily secured communist position, the platoon of Conde-Falcon was selected to assault and clear the bunker fortifications. Moving out ahead of platoon he charged the first bunker, heaving grenades as he went. Following he proceeded to two additional bunkers, which he destroyed in the same manner. Rejoined with his platoon, he advanced about one hundred meters through the trees, only to come under intense hostile fire. After gathering three of his men he single-handedly assaulted the nearest fortification, killing the enemy inside before running out of ammunition. He took up an M16 rifle and within 10 meters of his goal he was shot by an unseen assailant and soon died of his wounds. Conde-Falcon was killed in action that day after destroying multiple enemy bunkers and demonstrating extraordinary leadership under fire. He left behind a wife and two children. Staff Sgt. Felix M. Conde-Falcon’s son, Richard (Rico) Conde will accept the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama on March 18, 2014, on behalf of his father. He was only three years old when he lost his father. Rico is a technical representative with Wilson Art in Temple, Texas. During his spare time, he volunteers with his local church to work with youths from single family homes. He’s a proud father of his son and daughter, who continued the legacy of serving the nation and joined the United States Air Force.

• Date Taken: 03.21.2014
• Date Posted: 03.21.2014 12:53
• Photo ID: 1192366
• VIRIN: 140321-A-ZZ999-001
• Resolution: 1158x1446
• Size: 969.02 KB
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)