They buried his heroism for 44 years. Obama had to dig it up.
"From Mexico to Vietnam: A Chicano Story" is an inspiring documentary that chronicles the life of Jesus S. Duran, a Mexican immigrant who became a decorated U.S. Army soldier during the Vietnam War. Born in Juarez, Mexico, Duran moved to the United States as a child and enlisted in the Army in 1968. On April 10, 1969, while serving as an M-60 machine gunner with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), he displayed extraordinary bravery by rescuing several wounded comrades during an intense enemy ambush in Tay Ninh, Vietnam. His valorous actions led to a posthumous Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama. Directed by Andrés Gallegos, the film delves into Duran's personal journey, his family's migration from Mexico, and the broader impact of the Vietnam War on the Chicano and Latino communities.
Editing
Archival footage woven with Obama's 2014 ceremony speech.
Writing
Reframes 'American hero' through Chicano migration story.
Director
Andrés Gallegos
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Duran was one of 24 veterans awarded the Medal of Honor in 2014 after a 2002 congressional review found systemic racial bias in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam decorations.
The documentary quietly notes that Chicano soldiers died in Vietnam at disproportionate rates—arguing their 'American' sacrifice was demanded while their 'American' belonging was denied.
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