Rafel Toro
| Rafel Toro | |
|---|---|
| Born | Humacao, Puerto Rico |
| Died | July 25, 1927 San Fernando, Nicaragua |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion 5th Marines |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Purple Heart |
Private Rafel Toro (born in Humacao, Puerto Rico) was a United States Marine Corps private who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his "extraordinary heroism in battle" while fighting in Nicaragua during the second Nicaragua campaign in 1927.
Toro was part of the U.S. Marine Corps occupation force in Nicaragua. On July 25, 1927, Private Toro was on advance guard duty into Nueva Segovia. As he rode into town, he was attacked; returning fire, he was able to hold back the enemy until reinforcements arrived. He was mortally wounded in this action for which he was posthumuously awarded the Navy Cross.
The Navy Cross is presented to Rafel Toro, Private, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in battle when on the occasion of an engagement at San Fernando, Nicaragua, July 25, 1927, during an insurrection in that country, while performing advance guard duty in an important expedition into Nueva Segovia, Private Toro, accompanying his commanding officer, rode ahead into the town and on being attacked, fearlessly proceeded against tremendous odds, returning the fire, and at the risk of his own life materially assisted in holding the enemy in check until the arrival of reinforcements. Although receiving wounds at this time, which later resulted in his death, Private Toro continued in the fight to the last displaying that type of grit, determination and courage which characterizes conduct above and beyond the call of duty. Authority - USMC Communiqué: 205227 ACE-jfb (December 21, 1927), Born: at Humacao, Puerto Rico, Home Town: Humacao, Puerto Rico
On May 28, 2007 — Memorial Day — Senator , President of the Senate of Puerto Rico, along with Puerto Rico National Guard Adjutant General Colonel David Carrión, unveiled the names of Puerto Rican military heroes most recently added to "El Monumento de la Recordación" (the Monument of Remembrance). Among those newly honored were Rafel Toro, Manuel Rivera, Jr. and Medal of Honor recipient Humbert Roque Versace. The monument, which honors Puerto Rico's fallen military, is located in front of the Capitol Building in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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