Defending the base with Moreno were six other military men and nine members of the Integrated Civilian Home Defense Forces.

Moreno assumed command of the base defense when his superior grew weak from blood loss due to wounds.

"By direction of the President, pursuant to paragraph 3a, Section I, Armed Forces of the Philippines Regulations G 131–052, this Headquarters, dated 24 April 1967, the MEDAL FOR VALOR is hereby awarded to: Sergeant Jacinto Moreno 665546 Philippine Constabulary "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, as Assistant Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge of Maslog Patrol Base, Eastern Samar who gallantry fought and successfully defended the patrol base with only six military men and nine members of the Civilian Defense Forces against the attack of an overwhelming number of superior enemy on 23 May 1985.

After confirming a report at late afternoon of 22 May that about 60 armed men were in the public cemetery near Poblacion, the troops planned an attack at dawn.

By this display of exceptional courage and high degree of leadership, Sergeant Moreno distinguished himself in the field of combat in keeping with the highest tradition of Filipino soldiery.