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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fifth Class Daniel A. Carrizales (ASN: RA-18495116), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 11 March 1967 while assigned to Company M, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Specialist Carrizales was serving as a tank loader of an M-48 Tank participating in Operation JUNCTION CITY in War Zone C. As his unit was proceeding with its assigned mission, his armored column began to receive intense mortar, rocket, and small arms fire from its left flank. The tanks immediately deployed in an assault formation and began to attack the Viet Cong positions with Specialist Carrizales’ tank in the forefront. As the attack continued through the jungle, Specialist Carrizales observed the flash of an enemy anti-tank weapon located in a bunker approximately five meters in front of his tank. Instantly realizing that the tank’s main gun could not be effectively used at this close range, Specialist Carrizales courageously left the relative safety of his loader’s hatch and climbed to the ground. Moving on foot through intense fire to the Viet Cong bunker, he tossed a grenade into the enemy position and destroyed it. This heroic act was accomplished without regard to his own personal safety and in the face of grave personal danger. As a result of his quick thinking and devotion to duty Specialist Carrizales neutralized a serious threat to the tanks of his unit and undoubtedly saved many lives. Specialist Fifth Class Carrizales’ conspicuous gallantry was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    June 7, 1969
    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4037 (October 31, 1969)

    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 Staff Sergeant Daniel A. Carrizales (ASN: RA-18495116), 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 Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Staff Sergeant Carrizales distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while leading the scout section of his troop on a mission to search and destroy the abandoned village of Lang Nam near An Loc. On 7 June 1969, as the armored troop began to file across a culvert, a large North Vietnamese force unleashed a barrage of rifle and rocket-propelled grenade fire. As Sergeant Carrizales moved forward to the aid of the lead element, he was wounded by small arms fire; yet he continued his counterassault, riddling the hostile positions with fifty-caliber machine gun fire. As his vehicle over-ran the first line of enemy bunkers, Sergeant Carrizales sustained a second facial wound that necessitated his using hand and arm signals to direct his platoon’s movement. Despite this and additional wounds, Sergeant Carrizales refused medical treatment throughout the grueling six-hour engagement with the hostile force, until the enemy’s defeat was assured. Staff Sergeant Carrizales’ 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.