Public Information

Name

Vargas, Jay

Class

2001

Biography

Major, USMC, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Born in Winslow, AZ on 29 July 1937. Cited for action on 1 May 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. Although wounded from action the previous day, then-Captain Vargas led three combined companies in an attack across an open rice paddy against a fortified village. Organizing and reorganizing and again wounded, Captain Vargas inspired his men to continue their advance. A number of enemy bunkers were destroyed and the objective seized. Though wounded a third time during the three day battle, Captain Vargas continued to lead, and, observing his battalion commander wounded, proceeded to carry him to safety.

Medal of Honor Recipient

Yes