Valor 24: Sgt. Jesus S. Duran

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.21.2014

Courtesy Photo

Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

Medal of Honor candidate Sgt. Jesus S. Duran was born July 26, 1948, in Juarez, Mexico. Then-Spc.4 Duran was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) to support the efforts of Search and Destroy. In the course of the third phase of the Vietnam War, Duran distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions, April 10, 1969, as a machine gunner on a search and clear operation. The reconnaissance platoon was moving into an elaborate enemy bunker complex when the lead elements began taking concentrated ambush fire from every side. With M-60 machine gun blazing from his hip, Duran rushed forward and assumed a defensive position near the command post. As the hostile forces stormed the post, he stood tall in a cloud of dust being raised by impacting rounds and bursting grenades aimed at him and thwarted the chargers with devastating streams of machinegun fire. Learning that two seriously wounded troopers lay helplessly pinned down under harassing fire, he assaulted the suppressive enemy positions, firing deadly bursts on the run. After mounting a log, he fired directly into the enemy's foxholes and eliminated four of them and several others as they fled. He then continued to pour effective fire on the disorganized and fleeing enemy. His actions saved several wounded Americans and led to the enemy’s retreat. After leaving the military, Duran pursued a career as a corrections officer at a juvenile detention center in San Bernardino, Calif. While working there, he dedicated numerous hours of personal time to mentor youth and lead them on educational trips. Duran had two children: son Jesus Santiago and step-daughter Tina Duran-Ruvalcaba. He was the sixth sibling out of 12, and loved spending time with all of his family. Tina Duran-Ruvalcaba will accept the Medal of Honor award from President Barack Obama on March 18, 2014, on behalf of her father. Her brother, Jesus Santiago, will serve as the family’s spokesperson. Santiago is an entrepreneur who appeared in an episode of the TLC television show "Bringing Home Baby 2007."

• Date Taken: 03.21.2014
• Date Posted: 03.21.2014 13:09
• Photo ID: 1192392
• VIRIN: 140321-A-ZZ999-001
• Resolution: 1592x2308
• Size: 1.78 MB
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)