The Story of Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jorge Otero-Barreto — “The Puerto Rican Rambo”

While SFC Jorge Otero-Barreto is one of the most decorated American soldiers of the Vietnam War, this story is about a mission where he made a personal sacrifice not measured just in medals—but in loyalty and pain.

Background:

Born in Puerto Rico in 1937, Jorge Otero-Barreto served five tours in Vietnam—more than any other U.S. soldier—and took part in over 200 combat missions. He was known for his fearless leadership and devotion to his men.

The Sacrificial Moment:

During one combat mission deep in hostile territory, Otero-Barreto and his unit were ambushed by a large Viet Cong force. The enemy fire was overwhelming, and his squad became pinned down with several wounded.

Otero-Barreto refused to retreat, even though he was wounded himself. Instead, he ran into open gunfire multiple times, dragging wounded soldiers to safety one by one. He carried a fellow soldier over his shoulder while returning fire with his other hand.

At one point, he noticed that an injured private had been left behind during the chaos. Ignoring direct orders to pull back, Otero-Barreto ran back alone to find him.

He did. But it cost him.

Otero-Barreto was shot multiple times during the rescue and was severely wounded, requiring months of recovery. Yet he survived — and the soldier he saved lived to have a full life, raise a family, and later credit Jorge with everything.