The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ramon A. Nadal, II, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 8 February 1961, at Range Number 49, Grafenwohl, Germany, while serving with Company A, 1st Armored Rifle Battalion, 46th Infantry, United States Forces, Europe. Lieutenant Nadal was acting as Safety Officer for the firing of .50 caliber machine guns when a fire broke out in the ammunition of an armored personnel carrier. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and fully aware of the highly explosive and white phosphorus ammunition contained in the carrier, he unhesitatingly entered it and attempted to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher. His efforts cleared the smoke and enabled him to see that the mortar ammunition crates were burning. Despite the heat and flames, he un-strapped the burning cases and carried them out of the track to a safe location. His prompt and courageous action prevented the carrier from exploding and averted the loss of life. Lieutenant Nadal’s unselfish and heroic efforts in this dangerous situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
7th Cavalry RegimentDivision:
1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)Action Date:
November 14 – 17, 1965
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Ramon Antonio Nadal, II, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Nadal distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against the enemy on 14 – 17 November 1965. Captain Nadal repeatedly exposed himself to hostile sniper fire to regain the body of one of his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Nadal, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
. I went forward of my company perimeter, under fire, into a creek bed, in what was one of the fiercest battles of the war, to recover the body of Lt. Taft, one of my platoon leaders who had been killed and left on the battlefield. I was accompanied by Sgt Jack Gell, mycommo sergeant. While in the creek bed I found another soldier who had been wounded but still alive.
Therefore, my commo chief and I had to go back a second time to bring him back. While in the creek bed the enemy was throwing hand grenades at us, but fortunately, they fell short. This while the battle raged around us. I had told my company that we would leave no man behind and I wanted to demonstrate that.
2.We were ordered, along with B Company, to assault ,through the enemy
to recover platoon of B Company that had been cut off. I gathered most of my company in the creek bed and personally
led the assault (first man out of the creek bed) with my command group.
3. After 50 or 75 meters or so,, an enemy machine gun opened up and killed my FO and his rto to my left and Sgt Jack Gell to my right. My otherRTO and I survived.
4. I then called a fire mission to my direct front and at very close range and received permission to withdraw back to the creek bed. (We were outnumbered 5 to one). As my company withdrew I and my surviving RTO stayed on the battlefield to cover the company’s withdrawal._