Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant [then Private]

    Regiment:

    22d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 27, 1944

    War Department, General Orders No. 74, September 1, 1945

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant [then Private] Macario Garcia, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. While an acting squad leader of Company B, 22d Infantry, on 27 November 1944, near Grosshau, Germany, Staff Sergeant Garcias single-handedly assaulted two enemy machinegun emplacements. Attacking prepared positions on a wooded hill, which could be approached only through meager cover, his company was pinned down by intense machinegun fire and subjected to a concentrated artillery and mortar barrage. Although painfully wounded, he refused to be evacuated and on his own initiative crawled forward alone until he reached a position near an enemy emplacement. Hurling grenades, he boldly assaulted the position, destroyed the gun, and with his rifle killed three of the enemy who attempted to escape. When he rejoined his company, a second machinegun opened fire and again the intrepid soldier went forward, utterly disregarding his own safety. He stormed the position and destroyed the gun, killed three more Germans, and captured four prisoners. He fought on with his unit until the objective was taken and only then did he permit himself to be removed for medical care. Staff Sergeant Garcia’s conspicuous heroism, his inspiring, courageous conduct, and his complete disregard for his personal safety wiped out two enemy emplacements and enabled his company to advance and secure its objective.