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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Rafael Angel Candelario (MCSN: 2030045), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 May 1969, while engaged in a search and destroy operation in Quang Nam Province, a platoon from Company A came under intense hostile fire and was pinned down. When informed that three Marines in the point element were seriously wounded, Sergeant Candelario completely disregarded his own safety as he ran across the fire-swept terrain to reorganize and direct the fire of the point squad. Realizing that the forward elements were running dangerously low on ammunition as a result of the intensity of the ensuing fire fight, Sergeant Candelario, although painfully wounded by enemy fire, refused medical attention and evacuation as he resolutely made three trips across the hazardous terrain to obtain ammunition and distribute it among his men. Skillfully maneuvering his platoon and coordinating its fire, he succeeded in establishing a highly effective defensive position. When the only remaining platoon Corpsman became a casualty, Sergeant Candelario boldly braved the heavy volume of hostile fire to carry the injured man to a position of relative safety. Returning to his platoon, he then maneuvered his men in an aggressive assault through the enemy positions and requested medical evacuation helicopters to ensure the extraction of the casualties. Still, he refused evacuation for himself in order to remain with his men and continue to engage the hostile force. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in successfully engaging and defeating the enemy. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Sergeant Candelario upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant Major

    Action Date:

    June 1991 – June 1994

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Sergeant Major Rafael Angel Candelario (MCSN: 2030045), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Sergeant Major, Third Force Service Support Group and as Sergeant Major, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Forces Pacific from June 1991 to June 1994. Sergeant Major Candelario actively pursued professional military education for his Marines and provided encouragement and inspiration for their personal and professional successes. He tirelessly traveled over 150,000 miles in two years observing Marines training and performing in operations and exercises throughout the Pacific Theater. He also served as the Combined Marine Expeditionary Command Sergeant Major for Exercise ULCHI FOCUS LENS in Korea and as the Combined Joint Task Force Sergeant Major for Exercise COBRA GOLD in Thailand. Fostering an atmosphere of community support, he unselfishly served as a member of the USO Council, as Vice President of the USO Executive Council, and Chairman of the Okinawa Chapter of the Non-commissioned Officers’ Association. His superior performance of duty during his tour is the hallmark of a career devoted to accomplishing broad and diverse tasks in combat and other assignment and highlights the culmination of 30 years of honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. Sergeant Major Candelario’s sterling leadership, keen judgment and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.