Navy Federal Credit Union

Gerasimo was interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia after he was captured in South Vietnam on March 24, 1969. He escaped the same day for a brief time but was re-captured shortly thereafter. He died in captivity and was listed as Missing In Action. His remains were recovered and returned on March 20, 1985.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Sergeant First Class Gerasimo Arroyo-Baez, United States Army, for outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him and the Military Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    March 24, 1969 – August 22, 1972

    Sergeant First Class Gerasimo Arroyo-Baez, United States Army, was captured and held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from March 24, 1969 until his death in captivity on or about August 22, 1972.