• IN THIS SECTION

June 12, 2008

United States Medal of Honor Citations: Staff Sgt. Ysmael R. Villegas, U.S. Army – WWII

Medal Of Honor

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ysmael R. Villegas was born in Casa Blanca, California. He joined the 32nd Infantry of the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific theater. On March 20, 1945, Sgt. Villegas was leading his squad at Villa Verde Trail in Luzon in the Philippines, when

his unit was advancing in a forward position, suddenly clashing with a very strongly entrenched group of Japanese enemy fighters who were hiding in caves and foxholes, commanding the area.

Staff Sgt. Villegas moved boldly from man to man, in the face of bursting grenades and demolition charges, through heavy machinegun and rifle fire, to bolster the spirit of his comrades. Inspired by his gallantry, his men pressed forward to the crest of the hill. Numerous enemy riflemen, refusing to flee, continued firing from their foxholes.

With complete disregard for his own safety and ignoring the bullets which kicked up the dirt at his feet, Villegas charged an enemy position, and, firing at point-blank range killed the Japanese in a foxhole. He rushed a second foxhole while bullets missed him by inches, and killed 1 more of the enemy. In rapid succession he charged a third, a fourth, a fifth foxhole, each time destroying the enemy within.

The fire against him increased in intensity, but he pressed onward to attack a sixth position. As he neared his goal, he was hit and killed by enemy fire. Through his heroism and indomitable fighting spirit, S/Sgt. Villegas, at the cost of his life, inspired his men to a determined attack in which they swept the enemy from the field.

On October 19, 1945, this outstanding American serviceman was posthumously awarded our nation's highest honor - The Congressional Medal of Honor.

FSM salutes the memorable achievements of all of our great American military.

#

If you are a reporter or producer who is interested in receiving more information about this writer orthis article, please email your request to PR@FamilySecurityMatters.org.

Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of The Family Security Foundation, Inc.

Print This E-mail This

Share It: