GARCIA, MACARIO
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant,
U.S. Army, Company B, 22d Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Grosshau, Germany, 27 November 1944. Entered service at: Sugarland, Tex. Born:
20 January 1920, Villa de Castano, Mexico. G.O. No.: 74, 1 September 1945.
Citation:
While an acting squad leader of Company B, 22d Infantry, on 27 November 1944, near
Grosshau, Germany, he single-handedly assaulted 2 enemy machinegun emplacements. Attacking
prepared positions on a wooded hill, which could be approached only through meager cover,
his company was pinned down by intense machinegun fire and subjected to a concentrated
artillery and mortar barrage. Although painfully wounded, he refused to be evacuated and
on his own initiative crawled forward alone until he reached a position near an enemy
emplacement. Hurling grenades, he boldly assaulted the position, destroyed the gun, and
with his rifle killed 3 of the enemy who attempted to escape. When he rejoined his
company, a second machinegun opened fire and again the intrepid soldier went forward,
utterly disregarding his own safety. He stormed the position and destroyed the gun, killed
3 more Germans, and captured 4 prisoners. He fought on with his unit until the objective
was taken and only then did he permit himself to be removed for medical care. S/Sgt. (then
private) Garcia's conspicuous heroism, his inspiring, courageous conduct, and his complete
disregard for his personal safety wiped out 2 enemy emplacements and enabled his company
to advance and secure its objective.
