José L. Rivera
Lance Corporal José L. Rivera born in Ciales, Puerto Rico, was a member of the United States Marine Corps. He belonged to Company L, Third Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force. L.Cpl. José L. Rivera was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Vietnam War
On the night of 26 March 1969, Lance Corporal Rivera and six other Marines from Company L 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division were occupying a listening post approximately 100 yards forward of the company perimeter in Quảng Nam Province. Suddenly, the Marines came under a heavy ground attack by a numerically superior enemy force. Lance Corporal Rivera was attempting to alert the company by radio when a hostile hand grenade landed in his position. Without hesitation, he covered the grenade with his helmet and two protective vests and, shouting a warning to his comrades, smothered the explosion with his own body. Although suffering from multiple fragmentation wounds, he ignored his painful injuries and commenced delivering accurate fire at the assaulting enemy, resolutely refusing to leave his position until his comrades had reached friendly lines.Navy Cross Citation
Military decorations
Among José L. Rivera awards and decorations are the following:| Navy Cross | Purple Heart | Combat Action Ribbon |
| National Defense Service Medal | Vietnam Service Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal |