Silvestre S. Herrera-Glendale, AZ
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 33° 33.306 W 112° 11.886
12S E 388781 N 3713470
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Mertzwiller, France on March 15, 1945. He is buried in Resthaven Park Cemetery, Glendale AZ in Section 26, Block 16, Lot 1, Space 2.
Waymark Code: WMX0Y8
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 11/10/2017
Views: 0
He was born on July 17, 1917 in Chihuahua, Mexico and died on November 26, 2007 in Glendale, AZ. He attained the rank of Sergeant. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: HERRERA, SILVESTRE S.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division
• Place and date: Near Mertzwiller, France, 15 March 1945
• Entered service at: Phoenix, Ariz.
• G.O. No.: 75, 5 September 1945
Citation: He advanced with a platoon along a wooded road until stopped by heavy enemy machinegun fire. As the rest of the unit took cover, he made a 1-man frontal assault on a strongpoint and captured 8 enemy soldiers. When the platoon resumed its advance and was subjected to fire from a second emplacement beyond an extensive minefield, Pvt. Herrera again moved forward, disregarding the danger of exploding mines, to attack the position. He stepped on a mine and had both feet severed but, despite intense pain and unchecked loss of blood, he pinned down the enemy with accurate rifle fire while a friendly squad captured the enemy gun by skirting the minefield and rushing in from the flank. The magnificent courage, extraordinary heroism, and willing self-sacrifice displayed by Pvt. Herrera resulted in the capture of 2 enemy strongpoints and the taking of 8 prisoners.
Armed Service: Army
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