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3 unusual facts about Puerto Ricans in the Vietnam War


Puerto Ricans in the Vietnam War

Brigadier General Antonio Maldonado, who in 1967 became the youngest pilot and Aircraft Commander of a B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bomber, was assigned in January 1971 to the 432nd Tactical Fighter Reconnaissance Wing, Udon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.

Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto from the town of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico,with 38 decorations, which included 3 Silver Star Medals, 5 Bronze Star Medals with Valor, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 5 Purple Heart Medals and 5 Air Medals, has been called the most decorated U.S. soldier of the Vietnam War.

The last time the prisoners heard his voice, he was loudly singing "God Bless America".



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