Jay R. Vargas (born in 1938) is a retired USMC colonel who served in the Vietnam War and the Medal of Honor recipient for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty” in action in 1968. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Commanding Officer Company G Second Battalion Fourth Marines Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 30 April to 2 May 1968. On 1 May 1968 though suffering from wounds he had incurred while relocating his unit under heavy enemy fire the preceding day Major (then Captain) Vargas combined Company G with two other companies and led his men in an attack on the fortified village of Dai Do.
