Biography
Medal of Honor nominee 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 at Chorwon, Korea, Sept. 21, 1952. While Vera’s unit attempted to retake the right sector of “Old Baldy”, they came under heavy fire at close range and were forced back. Vera selflessly chose to stay behind and cover the troop’s withdrawal, and lost his life during this action.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Vera received the Distinguished Service Cross (this award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on Mar. 18), Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, Wharang Distinguished Military Service Medal with Silver Star.
Citation for Distinguished Service Cross
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Pvt. Miguel A. Vera, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations, while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Vera distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chorwon, Korea, on 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, he 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 twenty 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.
Citation represents Soldier’s rank at time of action
Medal of Honor
Vera is set to receive the Medal of Honor posthumously in a ceremony at the White House on March 18.