Background
Pena was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on November 6, 1924, joining the United States Army as an infantryman in 1941 when he was 16 years old.
Pena was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on November 6, 1924, joining the United States Army as an infantryman in 1941 when he was 16 years old.
He served in both World World War II and the Korean War. Master Sergeant Pena’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great cr upon himself, his unit and the. Philippine Republic of of Korea.
In addition to receiving the, Pena received: Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Army Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasp and two Loops American Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars Bronze Arrowhead Device World World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp National Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star Presidential Unit Citation Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award) Honorable Service Lapel ButtonWorld World War II Philippine Liberation Ribbon Philippine Independence Ribbon United Nations Service Medal Republic of of Korea-Korean War Service Medal Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Republic of of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Gold Bravery Medal of Greece Unit Citation.
Master Sergeant Mike C. Pena distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a member of Company F, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Waegwan, of Korea, on September 4, 1950.