Bronze Star for Valor awarded to Saul Garcia

After 41 years, Saul Garcia finally received the Bronze Star for Valor. The presentation was read by his son, SFC Saul Gene Garcia while Saul's former commander, Lt. Colonel (Ret) James F. Dabney (who Saul still calls Capt.) stood by his side. Fellow Vietnam comrades from his unit came from across the country to help honor the soft spoken and modest man.

The award was given for Saul Garcia's actions during combat in May of 1968. With disregard to his own safety, Medic Saul Garcia ran across an open field while under fire from enemy automatic weapons. He rushed to administer medical aid to a wounded soldier. After aiding his wounds, Saul continued across the open field to another wounded soldier. The enemy was still spraying the field with gun fire. After treating the second soldier, he again went to help a third soldier further down the field while under heavy enemy crossfire. He had stabilized the third soldier as best as he could and proceeded to carry the soldier to the back of the line so that he could be transported out. His heroic and selfless actions resulted in the saving of these men's lives.

After being praised by his former commander and fellow soldiers, Saul still remained modest and refused to admit his heroism, but instead praised the leadership of all his commanding officers.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to say that I can call this a wonderful man, a friend of mine.

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