Navy Federal Credit Union

Juan Blaz, in addition to his other awards, also received the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Badge.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major [then Staff Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    January 18, 1969

    Department of the Army, Permanent Orders No. 87-8 (June 8 1994)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Major [then Staff Sergeant] Juan Ogo Blaz (ASN: RA-20120951), 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 A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division. Sergeant Major Blaz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 January 1969, when his unit encountered an enemy unit armed with AK-47 rifles, light and heavy machine guns, hand grenades and RPG-7 rocket launchers. Sergeant Major Blaz took command during a fierce firefight in which his platoon leader was injured, rushing to drag wounded soldiers to safety and leading an assault to wipe out an enemy bunker. In the process, shrapnel pierced his right shoulder. Minutes later, his platoon was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire, and Sergeant Major Blaz singly charged across a ravine to silence the enemy weapon. He suffered another wound to his right shoulder, this time from an AK-47. But rather than accept medical treatment, Sergeant Major Blaz again charged through the enemy’s positions. After U.S. Cobra gunships fired rockets that missed their targets, he radioed the pilots and told them that he’d cross the ravine and mark the enemy positions with smoke grenades. He performed two more solo charges to help the pilots set up aerial supporting fire before allowing himself to be medevaced out. Sergeant Major Blaz’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.