Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez 'Tango Mike, Mike' (His call sign, for That Mean Mexican)

Editor's Note: During Hispanic Heritage Month recognition articles have so far introduced Loreta Janet Velazquez in "Local historical figure remembered ..." and U.S. Army, Priv. David B. Barkley-Cantu in "Claiming his heritage." We continue with our Hispanic Heritage month of remembrance by introducing you to another Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army, Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez. His name and story were made known after his actions on May 2, 1968, near Loc Ninh, Vietnam. On May 2, 1968, Staff Sgt. Benavidez was at this time assigned to Detachment B-56, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam. On that morning, while monitoring the operation of a tactical mission being conducted, those on the mission came under heavy enemy small arms fire.The call went out for an emergency evacuation of the ground patrol. While many helicopter extractions attempts were made, they were not able to gather all of the friendly forces.Upon the return of one helicopter to the danger zone Benavidez boarded the craft bound for his fellow soldiers. He realized that all the team members were either severely wounded or dead and directed the helicopter to a nearby clearing. While under fire, he then jumped from the helicopter and ran approximately 75 meters to assist the crippled team. Prior to reaching the team's position, Benavidez sustained multiple injuries to his head, leg and face.Despite his injuries, he took charge of the situation. He began to reposition the team members for the best possible extraction under the severe conditions. He redirected fire, loaded wounded and dead team members, along with throwing smoke canisters to direct the helicopters for extraction. He then dragged the wounded to the aircraft while under extremely heavy enemy fire. During his efforts to give the helicopters the best advantage for departure he ran alongside them to give them protective fire.As he returned to the deceased team leader's location he attempted to gather his body and any classified records so they would not fall into the hands of the enemy. Unfortunately, he was wounded by small arms fire to the abdomen and grenade fragments to his back. At the same time, a helicopter pilot was mortally wounded causing a crash. Benavidez returned to the downed craft and extracted the wounded and dead and set up a defensive fighting position. He distributed ammunition and water to the men, reinstilling the will to live and fight.Benavidez, during the final extraction of his fellow soldiers, finally allowed himself to prepare to board the helicopter when he spotted two enemy soldiers that the helicopter gunner could not engage rushing the craft. He again put his life in danger killing them before they could do any further damage. He then made a final inspection of the area to ensure no classified documents would be left behind and then joined his fellow soldier. Benavidez saved the lives of eight men while putting himself in harm's way and receiving multiple wounds. When the odds were against him, he kept going showing pride in his fellow man and country. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor and later recognized by the U.S. Navy when they named a T-AKR 306, a "Bob Hope" class ship, the USNS Benavidez.