Valor 24: Pvt. Miguel Armando 'Nando' Vera

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

03.21.2014

Courtesy Photo

Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

Medal of Honor candidate Pvt. Miguel Armando "Nando" Vera was born in Puerto Rico. Vera joined the U.S. Army when he was 17-years-old. Vera is being recognized for his heroic actions while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division at Chorwon, Korea, Sept. 21, 1952. On that date, Vera's unit was committed to assault and secure the right sector of "Old Baldy" and, although wounded in an earlier engagement, Vera voluntarily rejoined elements of the platoon regrouping at the base of the hill to resume the attack. Forging up the bare, rocky slope in skirmisher formation, the troops came within 20 yards of hostile positions when they were subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages and intense cross-fire from automatic weapons and grenades, which forced them to move back. He selflessly remained behind to cover the withdrawal and, maintaining a determined stand, poured crippling fire into enemy emplacements. During this action he lost his life. Jose (Joe) Ramon Rodriguez will accept the Medal of Honor award from President Barack Obama on March 18, 2014, on behalf of his uncle. Joe was close to his uncle, who he called “Nando.” Following his uncle’s footsteps to serve, Joe enlisted in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Guantanamo, Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Joe is married to Julie L. Rodriguez and is a proud father to three sons and three daughters. He is an entrepreneur and owner of three night clubs in Florida.

• Date Taken: 03.21.2014
• Date Posted: 03.21.2014 15:55
• Photo ID: 1192627
• VIRIN: 140321-A-ZZ999-001
• Resolution: 707x1018
• Size: 393.36 KB
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)