VILLARREAL, RAUL, STAFF SERGEANT E6 United States Army, 70th Engineer Company, 937th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, Engineer Troops Vietnam (Provisional), APO 96375. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Staff Sergeant Villarreal distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 March 1968 while second in command of a convoy traveling from Pleiku to Kontum. Two companies of North Vietnamese regulars ambushed the convoy with small arms, automatic weapons, recoilless rifles, rockets and mortars, killing the platoon leader. Sergeant Villarreal immediately assumed command, directed heavy and accurate return fire on the enemy, and skillfully guided the first two vehicles out of the danger area. Sergeant Villarreal was wounded when his weapon was struck by automatic weapons fire. Although momentarily dazed, he took one driver’s weapon and continued to return the enemy fire while he led wounded personnel to an area of security for treatment, Vietnamese soldiers in the area with armored personnel carriers were unaware of the exact enemy situation. Sergeant Villarreal persuaded the unit to attack the enemy force. He led the six personnel carriers to six different enemy strong points and joined in the assault of these positions. He was wounded a second time when the personnel carrier he was fighting beside was struck by rocket fire. He continued to refuse medical attention until the enemy force was driven off, remaining until late in the day to insure that both his men and vehicles were evacuated from the ambush site. His fearless actions resulted in heavy losses to the enemy force and saved the lives of many fellow soldiers. Staff Sergeant VillarrealÃs 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.
Mr. Villarreal resides in Texas and is a life member.