Moreno, Ricardo Leon
Army Sergeant
Ricardo Leon Moreno, age 29, from Greely, Colorado, Weld county.
Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment
Date of death: Sunday, May 29, 1966
Death details: Bronze Star citation: For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Moreno distinguished himself by heroic action on 29 May 1966, while serving as a fire team leader with B, 2/35th Infantry. This unit was lifted by helicopter into a landing zone in the Central Highlands northwest of Duc Co. On landing the entire unit came under heavy enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire from elements of a NVA regiment. Although Sergeant Moreno’s platoon was able to move to one side of the landing zone, they were unable to progress against the dug-in enemy positions due to the intense fire they were receiving. Recognizing this dilemma, Sergeant Moreno knew the only way to get his team moving again was to set the example himself. He quickly directed his grenadier to provide covering fire and with complete disregard for his own safety dashed forward to a new position closer to the enemy bunkers. This outstanding example of leadership and personal bravery inspired the other members of his team, who soon moved forward to join him. This spontaneous action spread to other members of the squad, and shortly thereafter the entire platoon was progressing forward. On numerous occasions Sergeant Moreno was observed displaying this same type of decisive action that, over a period of hours, eventually insured the success of the entire mission. It was during one of these encounters, while courageously driving his team forward, that Sergeant Moreno was mortally wounded by enemy fire. This outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Spouse: Mary A. Moreno
Source: National Archives, 35th Infantry Regiment Association