Euripides Rubio
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Capt. Euripides Rubio (March 1, 1938 – November 8, 1966) born in Ponce, Puerto Rico was a member of the U.S. Army, H&H Co., 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division,RVN.
On November 8, 1966 at Tay Ninh Province, in the Republic of Vietnam Capt. Rubio's company came under attack from the North Vietnamese Army. Leaving the safety of his post, Capt. Rubio received 2 serious wounds as he braved the withering enemy fire to go to the area of the most intense action where he distributed ammunition, reestablished positions and rendered aid to the wounded.
Disregarding the painful wounds, he unhesitatingly assumed command when a rifle company commander was medically evacuated. Capt. Rubio was wounded a third time as he selflessly exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire to move among his men to encourage them to fight with renewed effort.
While aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel, he noted that a smoke grenade which was intended to mark the Viet Cong's position for an air strike had fallen dangerously close to friendly lines. Capt. Rubio ran to reposition the grenade but was immediately struck to his knees by enemy fire. Despite his several wounds, Capt. Rubio scooped up the grenade, ran through the deadly hail of fire to within 20 meters of the enemy position and hurled the alrady smoking grenade into the midst of the enemy before he fell for the final time.
Using the repositioned grenade as a marker, friendly air strikes were directed to destroy the hostile positions.
Capt. Rubio's singularly heroic act turned the tide of the battle, and for his extaordinary leadership and valor, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Capt. Euripedes Rubio's remains were buried in the City of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The U.S. Army named a military installation "Capt. Euripedes Rubio" in Puerto Nuevo, a sector of San Juan, Puerto Rico.