Israel Garcia
Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 13 July 2008, then-Sergeant Israel Garcia was serving with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that day, SGT Garcia’s unit was engaged in combat action against enemy forces in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, when his outpost was attacked by small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. SGT Garcia’s reinforcement of the observation post was pivotal in preventing the decisive terrain from being overrun, and in allowing C Company to repel the determined insurgent assault. SGT Garcia gave his life while closing with the enemy to assist his fellow paratroopers, and his actions saved the day when almost all was lost. SGT Garcia’s selfless, courageous actions and devotion to duty that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges (Partial List)

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO ISAF Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Israel Garcia, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Kunar Province, Afghanistan., on 13 July 2008. Sergeant Garcia's fearless reinforcement of the observation post was pivotal in preventing the decisive terrain from being overrun, and in allowing C Company to repel the determined enemy assault. Sergeant Garcia gave his life while closing with the enemy to assist his fellow paratroopers, and his actions saved the day when almost all was lost. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Burial

Sergeant Israel Garcia is buried at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28294903/israel-garcia