Ramón Núñez-Juarez

Infobox Military Person
name= Ramón Nuñez-Juarez
born= birth date|1932|10|6
died= death date and age|1952|9|8|1932|10|6
placeofbirth= San Sebastián, Puerto Rico
placeofdeath= KIA in Korea
placeofburial=


caption= PFC Ramón Nuñez-Juarez, USMC
nickname=
allegiance= United States of America
branch=
serviceyears= 1951-1952
rank= Private First Class
commands=
unit= 2nd Battalion 1st Marines
battles= Korean War
awards= Navy Cross Purple Heart
laterwork=

Private First Class Ramón Nuñez-Juarez (October 6, 1932-September 8, 1952) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, second highest military award of the United States of America after the Medal of Honor. He was the only Puerto Rican member of the United States Marine Coros whose remains have never been recovered and who was listed as Missing in Action during the Korean War. THE OUTPOST WAR: US Marines in Korea Vol. 1 1952, By Lee Ballenger, Published 2000Brassey's, Page 107, ISBN 1574883739]

Early years

Nuñez-Juarez was born in San Sebastián, Puerto Rico where he received his primary and secondary education. In 1952, Nuñez-Juarez was inducted into the Marines in San Juan, the island's capital and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. After he graduated from his basic training, he was sent to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina where he underwent advanced training before being sent to Korea. He was assigned as an automatic rifleman to Company E of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1), 1st Marine Division. THE OUTPOST WAR: US Marines in Korea Vol. 1 1952, By Lee Ballenger, Published 2000Brassey's, Page 107, ISBN 1574883739]

Korean War

The 1st Marine Division was stationed in the eastern part of Korea when in early spring of 1952 it was ordered to move to defend the western sector. The sector, which was convert|15|mi|km long and stretched all the way to the Samichon River, was a section of the 8th Army's Main Line of Resistance (MLR) known as the Jamestown Line.Hemingway, [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0LIY/is_11_89/ai_90624111 " 'King' of the Hill"] , 2002. ]

On August 8, 1952, E Company, 2/1, began taking incoming mortar and artillery rounds from the Communist Chinese Army's 63rd and 65th armies. A company-size Chinese Communist Force (CCF) struck Outpost Siberia, which was manned by PFC Ramon Nuñez-Juarez and a squad of 15 men. Nuñez-Juarez and the other the riflemen fought off the enemy for nearly half an hour before withdrawing from their position. THE OUTPOST WAR: US Marines in Korea Vol. 1 1952, By Lee Ballenger, Published 2000Brassey's, Page 107, ISBN 1574883739] ]

Nuñez-Juarez, manning a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), was able to halt the enemy's advance long enough for the remainder of his squad to escape. Nuñez-Juarez was struck by enemy gunfire and died as a result of his wounds. For the next several days the Marines tried to retake Outpost Siberia, but were unable to do so. Nuñez-Juarez was listed as Missing in Action and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions. Hemingway, [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0LIY/is_11_89/ai_90624111 " 'King' of the Hill"] , 2002. ]

Navy Cross citation

NUNEZ-JUAREZ, RAMON (MIA)
"
Citation:
"

cquote|The Navy Cross is presented to Ramon Nunez-Juarez (1240152), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on august 9, 1952. With his squad's position on a vitally important hill encircled and attacked from three sides by a numerically superior enemy force following an intense hostile artillery and mortar barrage, Private First Class Nunez- Juarez fearlessly remained in his forward position and delivered effective rifle fire which greatly aided in halting the attackers. When his supply of ammunition was expended, he unhesitatingly left his fighting position and crawled down the slope to acquire a re-supply from one of his comrades. Unable to return to his original position, he quickly set up his weapon at an alternate point near the crest of the hill and continued to deliver devastating fire upon the enemy. Aware that his squad was unable to evacuate its casualties without covering fire, he gallantly held his commanding ground when the order to withdraw was given and poured accurate fire on the hostile force to enable his unit to withdraw to a safe position. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and resolute determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Private First Class Nunez-Juarez served to inspire all who observed him and contributed in large measure to the successful withdrawal of his entire squad. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.Authority: Board Serial 1022 (December 1, 1953) Born: 5/25/1931 at San Sebastian, Puerto Rico Home Town: San Sebastian, Puerto Rico [ [http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/1_Citations/05_korea-nc/nc_08korea_usmcMZ.html#M Ramon Nunez-Juarez Navy Cross citation] , "Home of Heros". ]

Postscript

PFC Ramón Nuñez-Juarez's remains have never been recovered and a symbolic burial with full military honors was held on October 25, 1970. There is a headstone with his name inscribed above an empty grave in the Puerto Rico National Cemetery, located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. His name is inscribed in "El Monumento de la Recordación", a monument dedicated to the Puerto Ricans who have fallen in combat, located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. [ [http://www.interment.net/data/us/pr/nat/prnat_nelny.htm Puerto Rico National Cemetery] ] [ [http://www.rootsweb.com/~prsanjua/mil-003.htm Monumento de la Recordacion] ]

Awards and decorations

Among Ramon Nuñez-Juarez's awards and decorations are the following:

*
*
*
*
* with two bronze stars
*
* Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)

ee also

*List of famous Puerto Ricans-Military
*Puerto Ricans Missing in Action - Korean War
*Puerto Rican recipients of the Navy Cross

Notes

References

*cite journal|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0LIY/is_11_89/ai_90624111
title='King' of the Hill
author=Hemingway, Al
journal=VFW Magazine
date=August 2002

*cite web|url=http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/1_Citations/05_korea-nc/nc_08korea_usmcMZ.html
title=Marine Corps Navy Cross citations — Korean War
publisher=HomeofHeroes.com

*cite web|url=http://www.interment.net/data/us/pr/nat/prnat_nelny.htm
title=Puerto Rico National Cemetery, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
work=Cemetery Transcription Library