Efraín Figueroa-Meléndez

Staff Sergeant Efraín Figueroa Meléndez (July 27, 1942-March 5, 1969) was born in Cataño, Puerto Rico was a member of Company D, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. SSG Efraín Figueroa was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam War
On three occasions Staff Sergeant Figueroa-Meléndez purposely drew communist volleys on himself to permit his men to draw back to protected positions he was struck by sniper fire and killed March 5, 1969 in Kontum Province, South Vietnam serving with the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

Staff Sergeant Efraín Figueroa-Meléndez was buried with full military honors in the Puerto Rico National Cemetery located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Military decorations
Among Efraín Figueroa Meléndez awards and decorations are the following: