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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jesse Ortega Lascano (ASN: 55684376), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Combat Support Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 29 October 1969, Sergeant Lascano was serving with his unit’s reconnaissance platoon on a counterinsurgency operation northwest of Quan Loi. At approximately 1430 hours, the element was suddenly subjected to a vicious fusillade of enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. While placing effective counterfire to his front, Sergeant Lascano detected a North Vietnamese Army squad maneuvering toward his left flank. Without hesitation, Sergeant Lascano left his relatively protected position, advanced directly into the insurgents’ path and opened fire, killing two enemy soldiers and wounding a third. Ignoring the withering hail of enemy fire which was returned in his direction, he then threw two hand grenades into the insurgents’ midst, thoroughly confusing them and thwarting their assault. His courageous actions were a determinative factor in the successful outcome of the encounter. Staff Sergeant Lascano’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Platoon Sergeant Jesse Ortega Lascano (ASN: 55684376), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 October 1968, while serving with Combat Support Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Jesse Ortega Lascano (ASN: 55684376), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 October 1968, Sergeant Lascano was serving as platoon sergeant and radio-telephone operator with an eleven man counter-insurgency operation ten miles south of Quan Loi. As the friendly unit proceeded through treacherous terrain, it was suddenly pinned down by a vicious enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fusillade. When his platoon leader moved forward to engage an enemy bunker, Sergeant Lascano organized his element and provided suppressive covering fire for his superior. Sergeant Lascano ignored the insurgent barrage raking the area as he stood up and placed effective fire on an aggressor machinegun position. Realizing artillery support was necessary, he advanced through the hail of hostile rounds to his platoon leader and directed devastating barrages on the enemy. Sergeant Lascano then returned to the remainder of his unit and led them in a successful counterattack against the insurgents. His exemplary courage, professionalism, and heroic determination significantly contributed to the overwhelming defeat of the aggressors. Platoon Sergeant Lascano’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.