Skip to main content
This is the USCIS preview website. Visit uscis.gov for the official USCIS site.
USCIS Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government    Here's how you know
Español
Multilingual Resources
Official Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Website

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
 
Sign In  
Access USCIS online services.
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
Sign In
Create Account
Horizontal Menu
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
  • Contact us
  • Multilingual Resources
  • Ask Emma
Main navigation
Skip to main content
  • About Us
    • Mission and Core Values
      • What We Do
    • Organization
      • Leadership
      • Directorates and Program Offices
        • Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)
        • Office of Performance and Quality
        • External Affairs Directorate
        • Field Operations Directorate
        • Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate
        • Immigration Records and Identity Services Directorate
        • Management Directorate
        • Office of Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
        • Office of Investigations
        • Office of Privacy
        • Office of the Chief Counsel
        • Office of the Executive Secretariat
        • Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations Directorate
        • Service Center Operations Directorate
    • Our History
      • History Office and Library
        • About the History Office
        • Featured Stories from the USCIS History Office and Library
        • History Office Webinars
        • Historical Library
        • Research Guides
      • Commissioners and Directors
      • Overview of Agency History
    • Find a USCIS Office
      • Field Offices
      • USCIS Facilities Dedicated to the Memory of Immigrant Medal of Honor Recipients
      • USCIS Office Closings
      • If You Feel Sick, Do Not Come to Your USCIS Appointment; Please Cancel and Reschedule It
      • International Offices
        • Beijing
        • Guangzhou
        • Guatemala City
        • Mexico City
        • Nairobi
        • New Delhi
        • San Salvador
    • Budget, Planning and Performance
    • Contact Us
      • USCIS Contact Center
    • Disability Accommodations for the Public
    • Careers
      • Career Opportunities
      • How to Apply
      • Special Hiring Programs
      • Benefits
      • Training
    • New Employee Information and Forms
    • Equal Employment Opportunity
      • No FEAR Act
      • USCIS Notification of Violation
      • How Do I File An Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint?
    • USCIS Contracting
      • USCIS Contracting Opportunities
      • Vendor Engagement
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. About Us
  3. Find a USCIS Office
  4. USCIS Facilities Dedicated to the Memory of Immigrant Medal of Honor Recipients
  5. Sgt. Jesus S. Duran

Sgt. Jesus S. Duran

USCIS San Bernardino Field Office

Medal of Honor recipient Jesus S. Duran was born July 26, 1948, in Juarez, Mexico.

Duran joined the U.S. Army on May 13, 1968. Then-Specialist 4 Duran was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). During the third phase of the Vietnam War, Duran distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on April 10, 1969, as a machine gunner on a search-and-clear operation.

His reconnaissance platoon was moving into an enemy bunker complex when the lead elements were ambushed with gunfire from every side. Duran rushed forward with his M60 machine gun and assumed a defensive position near the command post to fight back.

Learning that two seriously wounded troopers lay pinned down under fire, he assaulted the enemy positions, firing deadly bursts on the run. Duran mounted a log and fired directly into the foxholes, eliminating four enemy fighters along with several others as they fled. He continued to fire at the disorganized and fleeing enemy troops and led to the enemy’s retreat.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Duran was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge with Auto Rifle and Machine Gun Bars, Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960- Device and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device.

After leaving the military, Duran pursued a career as a corrections officer at a juvenile detention center in San Bernardino, Calif. While working there, he dedicated numerous hours of personal time to mentor youth and lead them on educational trips. Sgt. Duran, who died in 1977, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on March 18, 2014.

Last Reviewed/Updated:
04/27/2016
Was this page helpful?
0 / 2000
To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. Review our Privacy Policy.
Return to top
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email
Contact USCIS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal

USCIS.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Important links
  • About USCIS
  • Accessibility
  • Budget and Performance
  • DHS Components
  • Freedom of Information Act
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Privacy and Legal Disclaimers
  • Site Map
  • Office of the Inspector General
  • The White House
  • USA.gov
Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov