Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Mertzwiller, France, 15 March 1945.
Entered service at: Phoenix, Ariz. Birth: El Paso, Tex.
G.O. No.: 75, 5 September 1945.
Citation:

P fc Herrera advanced with a platoon along a wooded road until stopped by heavy enemy machinegun fire. As the rest of the unit took cover, he made a 1-man frontal assault on a strongpoint and captured 8 enemy soldiers. When the platoon resumed its advance and was subjected to fire from a second emplacement beyond an extensive minefield, Pvt. Herrera again moved forward, disregarding the danger of exploding mines, to attack the position. He stepped on a mine and had both feet severed but, despite intense pain and unchecked loss of blood, he pinned down the enemy with accurate rifle fire while a friendly squad captured the enemy gun by skirting the minefield and rushing in from the flank. The magnificent courage, extraordinary heroism, and willing self-sacrifice displayed by Pvt. Herrera resulted in the capture of 2 enemy strongpoints and the taking of 8 prisoners.

H is fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United States Army.