LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the memory of Master Sergeant
Juan E. Negron, United States Army, upon the occasion of his posthumous
designation as recipient of the Medal of Honor

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Forces, who have served so valiantly and
honorably in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at stake deserve a
special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to the memory of Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron, United States Army,
upon the occasion of his posthumous designation as recipient of the
Medal of Honor; this meritorious honor will be presented at a White
House ceremony on Tuesday, March 18, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Medal of Honor is the highest military medal bestowed by
the United States; it is awarded for valor in action against an enemy
force; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1929 in Corozal, Puerto Rico, Master Sergeant Juan E.
Negron is being recognized for his valorous actions during the Korean
War on April 28, 1951, while serving with the 65th Infantry Regiment in
the vicinity of Kalma-Eri, Korea; and
WHEREAS, On that day, then-Sergeant Juan E. Negron took up the most
vulnerable position on his company's exposed right flank after an enemy
force had overrun a section of the line; when notified that elements of
the company were withdrawing, this courageous soldier refused to leave
his exposed position, but delivered withering fire at hostile troops who
had broken through a roadblock; and
WHEREAS, Sergeant Negron held the position throughout the night, accu-
rately hurling hand grenades at short range when hostile troops
approached his position; after the enemy had been repulsed, fifteen
enemy dead were found only a few feet from his position; and
WHEREAS, Following the war, Juan E. Negron returned to the United
States and remained on Active duty, serving a total of 23 years and
achieving the rank of Master Sergeant; his positions include the senior
non-commissioned officer for the Directorate of Doctrine, which would
help define the Army's combat strategy, and the Inspector General in
Thailand; and
WHEREAS, During his distinguished service Master Sergeant Juan E.
Negron became a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Legion of
Valor, and The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; upon retirement he became
very involved in education and entered into federal service in Bayamon,
Puerto Rico where he died in 1996; and
WHEREAS, A truly valiant soldier, Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron
received the Distinguished Service Cross, which will be upgraded to the
Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Korean
Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Navy Presidential Unit
Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Repub-
lic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presiden-
tial Unit Citation; and
WHEREAS, Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron is the first Medal of Honor
recipient, posthumously, from the 65th Infantry Regiment; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over this great
Nation, the land of the free and the home of the brave; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-

ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron, United States Army, upon the occa-
sion of his posthumous designation as recipient of the Medal of Honor,
and to pay tribute to him for his courageous actions; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Master Sergeant Juan E. Negron's daughter, Iris Negron,
Anthony Mele, Chairman, 65th Honor Task Force, and to Ruben Estrada,
Deputy Director, 65th Honor Task Force.