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PFC Fernando Luis Garcia (October 14, 1929-September 5, 1952), born in Utuado, Puerto Rico, was a member of the United States Marines and the first Puerto Rico who was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Garcia, went to grade and high school in his native hometown, Utuado. He moved to San Juan where he started to work for the Texas Company as a file clerk.
On September 19, 1951, Garcia was inducted into the Marines. He received his "boot" training at Paris Island, South Carolina. after he graduated basic training, he was sent to Camp Lejuene in North Carolina where he underwent advanced training before being sent to Korea. Garcia was a Private First Class when he arrived in Korea. He was assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, of the 1st Marine division. On the night of his death, he was posted about one mile from the enemy lines. The Korean enemies were attacking with grenades, bombs and other types of artillery. Garcia was critically wounded, but he led his team to a supply point to get hand-grenades.
An enemy grenade landed nearby, and Garcia jumped over it, sacrificing himself to save the lives of his fellow Marines. Garcia died instantly. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
PFC Fernando Luis Gracia's remains are buried in the City of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
On February 5, 1959 the United States Marines Corps named a military camp in Vieques, Puerto Rico, "Camp Garcia" in his honor.
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