Comrades who fought alongside Jorge Otero Barreto, the Puerto Rican soldier known as the "Rambo Boricua," have signed sworn statements supporting his heroic actions and seeking to open the way for him to receive the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military distinction. Retired Army Colonel Arnaldo Claudio, one of the backers of the effort, explained the importance of the testimony and its value in supporting the nomination.
The statements refer to the battle of Phuoc Yen, between April and May of 1968. One of Otero Barreto’s former superiors, Terry Mills, highlighted his leadership and courage under enemy fire. Other comrades recounted how he risked his life to obtain ammunition, confront enemy positions and protect his soldiers.
A native of Vega Baja, Otero Barreto received 38 military decorations and took part in some 200 combat missions in Vietnam. He died in 2024, but the fight to recognize his legacy continues. The initiative requires overcoming time limits set by federal law, so legislation is also being pushed in Congress to make the posthumous recognition possible.
Decades later, his comrades continue fighting that battle, this time so that his valor receives the highest U.S. military honor.