Rafel Toro
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Rafael Toro | |
|---|---|
| Unknown - July 25, 1927 | |
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| Place of birth | Humacao, Puerto Rico |
| Place of death | Nicaragua |
| Allegiance | USMC |
| Rank | Private |
| Battles/wars | Banana Wars * U.S. occupation of Nicaragua |
| Awards | Navy Cross |
Private Rafel Toro (born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, died 1927) was a United States Marine Corps private who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his "extraordinary heroism in battle"[1] while fighting in Nicaragua during the second Nicargua campaign in 1927.
Toro was part of the U.S. Marine Corps occupation force in Nicaragua, serving with the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua. On July 25, 1927, Private Toro was on advance guard duty into Nueva Segovia. As he rode into town, he was attacked; returning fire, he was able to hold back the enemy until reinforcements arrived. He was mortally wounded in this action for which he was posthumuously awarded the Navy Cross.
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[edit] Navy Cross citation
| “ | The Navy Cross is presented to Rafel Toro, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in battle when on the occasion of an engagement at San Fernando, Nicaragua, 25 July 1927, during an insurrection in that country, while performing advance guard duty in an important expedition into Nueva Segovia, Private Toro, accompanying his commanding officer, rode ahead into the town and on being attacked, fearlessly proceeded against tremendous odds, returning the fire, and at the risk of his own life materially assisted in holding the enemy in check until the arrival of reinforcements. Although receiving wounds at this time, which later resulted in his death, Private Toro continued in the fight to the last displaying that type of grit, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty.[1] | ” |
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Toro, Rafel (citation) (Word document). U.S. Marine Corps Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1919 – 1942. Complied by C. Douglas Sterner, HomeofHeroes.com. Retrieved on 2007-01-19.
