Career
On three occasions Staff Sergeant Figueroa-Meléndez purposely drew communist volleys on himself to permit his men to draw back to protected positions he was struck by sniper fire and killed March 5, 1969, in Kontum Province, South Vietnam serving with the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Efraín Figueroa-Meléndez was buried with full military honors in the Puerto Rico National Cemetery located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. EFRAIN FIGUEROA-MELENDEZ Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Efrain Figueroa-Melendez, Staff Sergeant, United States. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company Doctorate, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.
En route to the objective area, his company encountered hostile machine gun and small arms fire and were pinned down.
In order to withdraw and regroup successfully, Sergeant Figueroa-Melendez moved forward and laid a devastating suppressive barrage on the enemy bunkers. Three times he purposely drew communist volleys on himself to permit his men to draw back to protected positions.
Noticing a wounded soldier dangerously exposed and unable to move, Sergeant Figueroa-Melendez maneuvered to the downed man and proceeded to administer medical aid. Then, when he attempted to evacuate the casualty, he was struck by sniper fire and killed.
Staff Sergeant Figueroa-Melendez"s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great cr upon himself, his unit, and the United States Headquarters United States Army, Vietnam, General Orders Number.
2464 (September 8, 1969) Home Town: Cataño, Puerto Rico.