Private First Class Ian O. Paquit was a rifleman of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion under the Army's First Scout Ranger Regiment who figured in an encounter against a hundred armed elements of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari Faction at Barangay Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City on Sept. 24, 2013.
Despite being wounded and hospitalized brought about by his previous encounter with the enemy on Sept. 13, PFC Paquit volunteered to return to the ground zero to continue the fight and bring Zamboanga City to normalcy.
His display of intrepidity and courage during the conduct of a coordinated attack in order to neutralize enemy forces has weakened the enemy from their location.
Due to the massive firepower coming from the well-entrenched enemy forces and deteriorating cover, PFC Paquit adjusted his position to a better line of sight to provide cover for the repositioning troops, notwithstanding his vulnerability to enemy fire. This proved effective as the troops were able to reposition with only minimal resistance felt from the enemy. With his courage, dedication and sacrifice, further casualties were avoided and the neutralization of enemy firing positions greatly contributed to the clearing and capture of enemy strongholds.
As a result of his selfless act, a bullet pierced the left portion of his neck that caused his fatal death.
He was awarded the Medal for Valor (posthumous) for this act of conspicuous courage, gallantry, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty.#