Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Staff Sergeant Jesus Salazar, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant Salazar distinguished himself by heroic actions on 19 August 1969, while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company F, 75th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. After being inserted into a suspected enemy infested area by a Navy River Patrol Team, elements of Company F were moving through a heavily vegetated area when they came in contact with a large enemy force. Immediately, the team began to place effective fire on the hostiles and maneuvered back to the patrol boats. As they boarded the boats, one of the team members fell from the craft and began to sink to the bottom of the river. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Salazar exposed himself to the hostile fire as he jumped into the water in order to save his comrade. Although hostile rounds struck in his immediate vicinity, Sergeant Salazar pulled the drowning soldier to the surface and aided him onto the patrol boat. His valorous actions were responsible for saving a man’s life. Sergeant Salazar’s bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received