Jose Angel Santa Cruz
Private First Class, U.S. Army

Jose Angel Santa Cruz enlisted in the U.S. Army in the summer of 1968 at Glendale, AZ.

On 1 February 1970, Private First Class Jose Angel Santa Cruz was serving with Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in South Vietnam.

On that day, PFC Santa Cruz was serving as a member of an ambush patrol in Tay Ninh Province. PFC Santa Cruz and his comrades were trying to make contact with hostile forces when enemy movement was detected a short distance from the patrol. PFC Santa Cruz and his platoon leader advanced toward the enemy troops in an effort to surprise them. Suddenly, PFC Santa Cruz saw an enemy soldier toss a grenade toward his platoon leader. PFC Santa Cruz threw his body between his comrade and the grenade, shielding him from the ensuing blast. Although PFC Santa Cruz was killed instantly, his selfless action saved the life of his comrade. PFC Santa Cruz's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal (Merit)
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jose Angel Santa Cruz, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Santa Cruz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 February 1970 while serving as a member of an ambush patrol in Tay Ninh Province. Private Santa Cruz and his comrades were attempting to make contact with hostile forces when enemy movement was detected a short distance from the patrol. Private Santa Cruz and his platoon leader immediately advanced toward the enemy troops in an effort to surprise them. Suddenly, Private Santa Cruz observed an enemy trooper toss a grenade toward his platoon leader. Without hesitation, Private Santa Cruz threw his body between his comrade and the grenade, thus shielding him from the ensuing blast. Although Private Santa Cruz was killed instantly, his unselfish action saved the life of his comrade. Private First Class Santa Cruz's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3188 (July 13, 1970)

Honors

The name Jose A Santa Cruz is located on Panel 14W Line 91 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Private First Class Jose Angel Santa Cruz is buried at Resthaven Park West Cemetery in Glendale, Maricopa County, AZ.