EURIPIDES RUBIO
Captain, U.S. Army
Headquarters and Headquarters Company
Communications Officer For
1st Battalion, 28th Infantry (Black Lions), 1st Brigade (Ace of Spades)
1st Infantry Division (Big Red One), RVN.
Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, November 8, 1966.
Rubio Entered US Military Service at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.

Medal of Honor Citation

Place of Presentation
11 July 1968
The Pentagon by Secretary of The Army
Stanleyh R. Resor
To The Family of CPT Euripides Rubio, Jr.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Rubio, Infantry, was serving as communications officer, 1st Battalion, when a numerically superior enemy force launched a massive attack against the battalion defense position. Intense enemy machinegun fire raked the area while mortar rounds and rifle grenades exploded within the perimeter. Leaving the relative safety of his post, Capt. Rubio received two serious wounds as he braved the withering fire to go to the area of most intense action where he distributed ammunition, reestablished positions, and rendered aid to the wounded. Disregarding the painful wounds, he unhesitatingly assumed command when a rifle company commander was medically evacuated. Capt. Rubio was wounded a third time as he selflessly exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire to move among his men to encourage them to fight with renewed effort. While aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel, he noted that a smoke grenade which was intended to mark the Viet Cong position for air strikes had fallen dangerously close to the friendly lines. Capt. Rubio ran to reposition the grenade but was immediately struck to his knees by enemy fire. Despite his several wounds, Capt. Rubio scooped up the grenade, ran through the deadly hail of fire to within 20 meters of the enemy position and hurled the already smoking grenade into the midst of the enemy before he fell for the final time. Using the repositioned grenade as a marker, friendly air strikes were directed to destroy the hostile positions. Capt. Rubio's singularly heroic act turned the tide of battle, and his extraordinary leadership and valor were a magnificent inspiration to his men. His remarkable bravery and selfless concern for his men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on Capt. Rubio and the U.S. Army.

Citation provided to ATWS by The First Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny,
Wheaton, Illinois.

Remembrances Posted on the Internet:

Captain Rubio died 19 years before I was born, but I owe him my life. If it were not for his actions on this day 38 years ago my father would have died in South Vietnam. I have known this for many years, but this the first time I have paid my respects to CPT Rubio without my father. This year his sacrifice has become much more real to me than it ever was before. My father passed away this past May and is inured at the Arlington National Cemetery. I hope Cpt. Rubio and my father are looking down on this world with pride in their hearts because it is men like them that we own our freedom to.
Stephen Reed
2004

Dear Classmate: Back in 1957-58, you were one of the upperclassmen in my Army ROTC class at the University of Puerto Rico. You remember! I knew about your sacrifice in Vietnam and I have always kept you in my daily prayers to all our faithful departed. May the Lord Bless You. Eternal rest be onto you and may the Lord's countenance shine upon you now and always. Rest in Peace.
Jose L. Miranda, Lt Col, UJSAF, Ret
University Classmate
1999

August 10, 2013
email from James E. Windholz, SGT

In 1962 Euripides Rubio and his wife Ileana lived in the duplex apartment adjoining my apartment in Atlanta, GA while we were both stationed at HQ 3rd Army, Ft. McPherson, GA.

He loved skydiving at a local club and I accompanied him on several occasions. On one occasion I took an 8mm movie of him from the cargo door of a Cessna 206 of him exiting and freefalling. Sadly the movie of him looking up at the camera and waving was lost over the years but the memory is one that will always remain with me.

Another fond memory I have retained is of the Citroen DS automobile he owned and loved. He was very proud of that car and would invite me to go with him for impromptu drives around Atlanta.

RIP
SGT James E. Windholz
ATWS Member #344539

[Posted by Gary McJimsey for James E. Windholz
Original Messages Rec'd via Email, August 2013]

Rubio, Euripides, Jr., CPT