Jay R. Vargas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jay R. Vargas
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Jay R. Vargas
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| Born | July 29, 1938 Winslow, Arizona, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1963–1992 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 2nd Battalion 4th Marines |
| Commands held | 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War
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| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star Purple Heart (5) Meritorious Service Medal |
| Other work | Department of Veterans Affairs |
Jay R. Vargas (born July 29, 1938) is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel. He served bravely in the Vietnam War. In 1968, he received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned it for showing amazing courage and leadership.
Jay Vargas is one of four brothers who served in combat. His brothers fought in World War II and the Korean War. Jay Vargas served in the Vietnam War.
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Jay Vargas's Early Life and Education
Jay R. Vargas was born in Winslow, Arizona. He went to high school there. After high school, he studied at Northern Arizona University. He earned a degree in education in 1962. Later, he also earned a Master of Arts degree from U.S. International University.
Serving in the Marine Corps
After finishing his training in 1963, Vargas joined the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. This was part of the 1st Marine Division. He quickly showed great leadership skills.
Earning the Medal of Honor
In 1968, while serving as a captain in the Vietnam War, Vargas showed incredible bravery. This happened during the Battle of Dai Do in South Vietnam. On May 1, 1968, even though he was already hurt, Captain Vargas led his troops. They attacked a heavily defended village called Dai Do.
His Marines faced intense enemy fire. Vargas bravely led them across open fields. He helped them get a foothold near the enemy. When some of his men were stuck, he led another group to help them. He destroyed several enemy bunkers. Even after being wounded again by a grenade, he kept going. He organized his unit into a strong defense.
The enemy tried to counterattack all night, but Vargas and his men held their ground. The next day, they continued their attack. They faced fierce close-quarters fighting. Vargas was hit a third time during the battle. When his battalion commander was seriously wounded, Vargas ignored his own pain. He carried his commander to safety. He then continued to lead and encourage his men.
For these heroic actions, President Richard M. Nixon awarded him the Medal of Honor in May 1970.
Vargas's Marine Corps Career
Throughout his nearly 30-year career, Vargas held many important roles. He commanded rifle companies, including two times in combat. He also served as an operations officer and a commanding officer of the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. Later, he commanded the 7th Marine Regiment. He also worked at the Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C.
Vargas retired from the Marine Corps in 1992. He had reached the rank of Colonel.
Life After the Military
After retiring from the Marines, Vargas continued to serve his country. From 1993 to 1998, he was the Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. This department helps military veterans. In 2001, he was appointed as a Regional Veterans Liaison for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. He held this position until 2009.
A Family of Service
Jay Vargas comes from a family dedicated to military service. His mother was Italian, and his father was Hispanic. Both came to the United States in 1917. Jay is one of four brothers who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during wartime.
Each of his brothers was also a decorated veteran. Angelo fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. Frank served in the Battle of Okinawa, also in World War II. Joseph fought in the Korean War. To honor his mother, Vargas had her name, M. Sando, engraved on his Medal of Honor. She passed away before he received the medal.
Jay Vargas's Awards
Colonel Jay R. Vargas received many awards for his brave service. These include:
- Medal of Honor
- Silver Star
- Purple Heart (with four additional awards)
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Navy Unit Commendation
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
- Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
See also
In Spanish: Jay R. Vargas para niños
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War
- List of Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients
- Hispanics in the United States Marine Corps
