Mantalas, Capt. John G.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 207 - 8 June 1952

Captain (then First Lieutenant) JOHN G. MANTALAS), 063064, Infantry, Company "A", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 4 June 1951, Captain MANTALAS led his platoon in an attack on well-fortified enemy position near near Anu, Korea. The hostile force commanded excellent observation and fields of fire of the surrounding territory and for several days had repulsed heavy attacks by friendly troops. Despite intense hostile fire, the platoon advanced to a strip of open terrain that was covered by devastating enemy automatic weapons fire. Fully exposing himself to the lethal hail of fire, Captain MANTALAS dashed across the fire-swept terrain, firing his carbine at a rapid rate. This aggressive and unexpected action took the foe by surprise and forced him to temporarily seek cover, enabling the friendly force to cross the open terrain. The advance continued to the base of a huge boulder, from which the enemy rained down a terrific barrage of hand grenades. After an attack from both the right and left flank had failed and realizing that immediate action must be taken to prevent his platoon's annihilation, Captain MANTALAS completely disregarded his personal safety as he climbed over the great obstruction, shouting, and firing his weapon with deadly accuracy. Inspired by their leader's courageous actions, the friendly troops rose from their positions and, with renewed spirit, surmounted the boulder and completely routed the foe. Captain Mantalas' outstanding gallantry and initiative were directly responsible for the capture of the strategically important position and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Wisconsin.

Marcus, Gerald R.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 204 - 24 June 1953

First Lieutenant GERALD R. MARCUS, 02208661, Infantry, Company "G", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 13 June and during the early morning hours of 14 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Lieutenant MARCUS led Company "G" in an attack on an enemy outpost known as Hill "412". During the assault, his company was subjected to extremely heavy enemy artillery, mortar, grenade, and small arms fire. Lieutenant MARCUS moved through the barrage, constantly encouraging his men and, by his personal actions, inspiring his company. Upon reaching their objective and inflicting heavy casualties upon the foe, his company was subjected to heavy enemy artillery and mortar concentrations. After effecting an orderly reorganization, two more assaults were made under increasing enemy fire. Although wounded, when ordered to return to friendly lines, he refused to leave until the last man had been evacuated. His display of superior leadership under intense fire and his determination and eagerness to accomplish his mission with complete disregard for his personal safety, inspired the men about him and accounted for many enemy casualties. Lieutenant MARCUS' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Connecticut.

Marrero, Sgt. Luis M.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 196 - 17 June 1951

SERGEANT LUIS M. MARRERO, RA6674836, Army Medical Service, Medical Company,  65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 19 November 1950, in the vicinity of Toogoni, Korea, the company to which Sergeant MARRERO was attached as an aid man was engaged by a numerically superior enemy force. In the ensuing action several men of the company were critically wounded. Sergeant MARRERO, with complete disregard for his own safety, went forward, braving strong enemy fire, and administered the necessary first aid. Despite freezing weather, exposure to the enemy, and a shortage of appropriate medical supplies, he continued to care for the wounded to the best of his ability until they could be evacuated. Sergeant MARRERO'S gallant devotion to duty under hazardous conditions alleviated much suffering and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Martinez, Alfonso Rodriguez

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 93 - 5 March 1952

CORPORAL ALFONSO RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ, US50104347, Infantry, Company "E", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 11-12 December 1951, elements of Company "E" assaulting a well-entrenched foe on Hill 168 near Toyon-ni, Korea, were subjected to heavy hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Corporal RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ, a machine gunner, immediately selected a position from which he could deliver maximum fire into the enemy positions, and from this advantageous but exposed location, he laid down such an effective volume of fire that his comrades were able to continue their advance. Later during the engagement, due to the enemy's numerical superiority, the friendly forces were ordered to withdraw. Choosing to remain in his position, Corporal RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ continued to fire this weapon with devastating results, forcing the enemy to concentrate all their fire power upon him. With such a lethal hail of fire directed at him, he was struck and mortally wounded. His courage and determination were instrumental in the safe withdrawal of his platoon and undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. Corporal RODRIGUEZ MARTINEZ'S selfless gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Martinez, Federico

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 124 - 7 May 1951

MASTER SERGEANT FEDERICO MARTINEZ, RA6674819, Infantry, Company "G", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 31 January 1951, Company "G" was assigned the mission of attacking Hill 262, south of Chungson-gok, Korea. The enemy was well entrenched in concealed positions along the crest of the hill. With mortars and heavy machine guns the enemy had successfully held up the advance of another company of this battalion for several hours. Sergeant MARTINEZ'S platoon was designated the assault platoon during this attack. As the platoon was neared the top of the hill, the enemy fire became so intense that the advance faltered. Completely ignoring his personal safety, Sergeant MARTINEZ rushed to the front of his platoon and charged a machine gun nest alone. He killed the crew with his rifle and hand grenades. Quickly catching the spirit of the attack from Sergeant MARTINEZ his platoon rallied and soon secured the hill. His inspiring action gave his platoon the spark of aggressiveness that made a second assault of the enemy positions unnecessary and consequently saved many lives. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant MARTINEZ reflect great credit on himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Martinez, Jose R.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 216 - 22 June 1951

FIRST LIEUTENANT JOSE R. MARTINEZ, 01339897, Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 26 April 1951, the 2d Battalion was ferociously attacked by two enemy regiments in the vicinity of Ilbisang-ni, Korea. In the ensuing battle, the battalion command post was brought under heavy fire from automatic weapons and mortars. From his position in the post, Lieutenant MARTINEZ saw that panic was beginning to spread among the friendly troops and revealing himself constantly to enemy fire he moved forward to rally the men. Working his way among them, he encouraged and reorganized the soldiers into a stable defense line. In spite of the fierce continuing engagement, he successfully controlled the line, thus releasing the pressure of the attack and enabling the men to hold their positions. Lieutenant MARTINEZ' fearless action and exemplary initiative reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the most gallant traditions of the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Martinez, Julio

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 80 - 27 March 1951

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JULIO MARTINEZ, RA10403720, Infantry, Company "B", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 14 December 1950, near Oro-ri, Korea, Sergeant Martinez was in charge of a listening post situated approximately one mile in front of his company's positions. During the night he observed a strong enemy force moving toward the company area. Immediately he calmly notified the company and instead of withdrawing he remained at the listening post until the fire fight began. Then, of his own volition and initiative, he led his men in attacking the rear of the enemy. By this bold and fearless action he caused the enemy to become so disorganized and confused as to allow the company time to strengthen its flanks. Sergeant Martinez's movement was repelled by heavy enemy automatic weapons fire forcing his small group to withdraw to more covered positions. From the new positions he and his men continued to harass the enemy's rear. Not until the situation became unbearable did he withdraw to friendly lines, and while withdrawing he again risked his life in caring for a wounded comrade. The daring leadership and courage displayed by Sergeant Martinez on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Marx, Edmund N. Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to SERGEANT EDMUND N. MARX, JR., UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of Company C, First Tank Battalion, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 24 to 27 July 1953.  With his vehicle surrounded and physically assaulted by hostile troops during a vicious enemy attack on a friendly outpost position, Sergeant Marx called down fire upon his own position in an attempt to halt the savage attack.  On another occasion, when an enemy attack was impending, he volunteered to act as a gunner on another vehicle in an attempt to aid two disabled tanks located on the same strategic position.  Upon arriving at the area, he unhesitatingly dismounted from his tank under a murderous hail of hostile mortar and artillery fire in order to attach towing cables to the disabled vehicles.  After ground=guiding the tanks to a position of safety, he remounted his vehicle and proceeded to deliver devastating fire upon the attackers.  When the assaulting enemy attempted to climb on his vehicle, he opened the hatch and fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire to accurately hurl hand grenades and disperse the hostile troops.  By his indominable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and unyielding devotion to duty, Sergeant Marx served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Mastin, James C.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 579
August 14, 1951
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division

CORPORAL JAMES C. MARTIN, US52003556 (then Private), Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company G, 19th Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself by courageous action near Chin'Wach'or, Korea, on May 27, 1951.  His company was moving off Objective C when it was suddenly attacked by a numerically superior enemy force.  The enemy utilized the element of surprise to the fullest, catching the company without defensive positions from which to operate.  Corporal Mastin, an acting machine gunner, realized how serious the situation was and immediately set up his machine gun in a good position that afforded a good field of fire.  His deadly fire soon relieved the pressure from the rest of his platoon, but transferred the enemy attention to himself.  Disregarding the fact that everyone else was pinned down, he sat in the exposed position with complete disregard for his personal safety, bringing fire to bear on the enemy until his whole platoon was able to withdraw to the recently vacated prepared positions.  Only then did he take his weapon out of action and withdraw to his assigned defensive position.  It is estimated that he single-handedly killed 12 enemy soldiers in this engagement.  Corporal Mastin's courageous action and deep devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.  He entered service from Corinth, KY."

Matheney, Richard

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to CORPORAL RICHARD MATHENEY, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Battery D, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving with a Marine infantry company in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 14 September 1951.  When the forward observer was mortally wounded during a night long enemy counterattack, Corporal Matheney immediately assumed command and skillfully called down artillery fire upon the attackers.  Bravely moving through a hail of rifle and grenade fire until he was among the defending infantrymen, he capably adjusted fire to within sixty yards of friendly lines and, continuing to move from one position to another, gathered hand grenades from the wounded to assist in defending the area.  By his outstanding courage, inspiring initiative and zealous devotion to duty, Corporal Matheney contributed materially to the successful defense of his company's positions and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Matos, Luis E. Maldonado

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 298 - 22 July 1951

CORPORAL LUIS E. MALDONADO MATOS, RA30409759, Infantry, Company "D", 65th  Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 26-27 April 1951, near Ckugyo, Korea, Company "A" launched an attack against a well-defended enemy hill position. Corporal MALDONADO MATOS, attached to Company "A" for this operation, saw an enemy soldier attempt to stab a friendly infantryman. Fearlessly rushing to his comrade's assistance, he overpowered the enemy soldier and killed him with a pistol. When the enemy launched a surprise counterattack a short time later, Corporal MALDONADO MATOS directed accurate machine gun fire into the attacker's ranks and momentarily checked the enemy's advance. When the unit received orders to withdraw, he courageously remained behind and fired round after round of ammunition at the assaulting troops. Only after he was assured that his comrades had reached more tenable positions did he rejoin the unit. Corporal MALDONADO MATOS' gallant and aggressive actions reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Mattes, George J.

AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR. By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (WD Bul. 43, 1918), and pursuant to authority contained in Air Force Regulation 30-14, 22 August 1950 and Section VII, General Order Number 63, Department of the Air Force, 19 September 1950, the Silver Star for gallantry during the period indicated is awarded to Captain (then First Lieutenant) George J. Mattes, United States Air Force.

Captain Mattes distinguished himself by gallantry in action against an enemy on 30 August 1950 while flying as pilot of an unarmed T-6 type aircraft over enemy territory in the vicinity of Chukchon-ni, Korea. Captain Mattes, while on a visual reconnaissance flight deep in enemy territory, observed 22 camouflaged enemy vehicles, two of which were tanks, situated in patches of foliage in a dry river bed, and numerous supplies hidden in an orchard. Although he was being fired upon by an enemy 20 millimeter anti-aircraft battery and 50 calibre machine guns, Captain Mattes, with complete disregard for his own safety, personally directed three friendly fighter strikes against these targets which resulted in the destruction of the anti-aircraft battery. By his professional skill, aggressiveness, courage under fire, and devotion to duty, Captain Mattes upheld the highest traditions of the military service, thus reflecting great credit upon himself, the United Nations' Forces, and the United States Air Force.

Mentrie, Joseph L.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 436 - 29 September 1951

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOSEPH L. MENTRIE, RA12307346, Infantry, Company "C", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 29 April 1951, near Seoul, Korea, a squad of "C" Company's Third Platoon, led by Private MENTRIE, was ordered to secure a commanding hill upon which the enemy was entrenched. As the squad moved forward, it was temporarily pinned down by the hostile fire, but under Private MENTRIE'S fearless direction, it was able to place devastating counterfire upon the foe and continue on. Meeting an enemy counterattack, whose component greatly outnumbered the squad, it fell back expediently and Private MENTRIE covered the withdrawal, completely ignoring the proximity of the hostile force. Later in the action, during a general assault, he ordered the men to fix bayonets and charge enemy positions along a narrow ridge, leading the attack and moving forward to personally destroy four hostile entrenchments with accurate throwing of hand grenades. Ignoring his exposed position and the concentrated enemy fire, he then placed his men in advantageous positions, distributing ammunition to them. The neutralization of the hostile emplacements and the favorable location of his squad inflicted many casualties on the enemy and enabled the company to win the engagement. Private MENTRIE'S outstanding tactical skill, aggressive leadership and gallant courage reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from the State of New York.

Messmer, Robert C.

Corporal Robert C. Messmer, Infantry, distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 9 October 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On this date a platoon of Company I was pinned down by intense hostile fire from an enemy bunker. Corporal Messmer, a squad leader, realizing the seriousness of the situation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, advanced through the intense enemy fire toward the hostile emplacement. With hand grenades he singlehandedly destroyed the bunker and killed its occupants. Corporal Messmer then secured an automatic weapon and continued on in the one man assault on the hostile positions. So inspired by this example of bravery under fire, his men rose from their positions and followed him in the attack. By his courageous actions his unit was able to secure its objective and inflict numerous casualties upon the hostile force. The gallantry in action and dogged determination displayed by Corporal Messmer on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.  Entered the military service from the State of Indiana.

Minkler, Robert Warren

Source: "Rensselaer County [NY] Heroes Korean War 1950-1953: The Forgotten Remembered" compiled by Ken Page.

"Robert Warren Minkler resided on River Street in Troy with his parents William A. and Anna Alba Minkler. After attending school at St. Patrick's he enlisted in the Army (shortly after his 18th birthday) in April 1950. Pfc. Minkler was in Company G, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment. Pfc. Minkler was killed in action on February 15, 1951 and for his gallantry in action on that day in an attack against Hill 255, four miles northwest of Wonju, South Korea, he was awarded the Silver Star (posthumously). Other military awards were the Purple Heart, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Korean Service, Combat Infantryman Badge and United Nations Service Medals. He is buried in St. Peter's Cemetery in Troy."

Mireles, Lee O.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 365 - 29 August 1953

Corporal LEE O. MIRELES, RA18412995, Infantry, Company "B", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the early morning of 11 June 1953, enemy forces attacked the Company "B" sector of the main line of resistance in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. The ensuing hail of automatic weapons fire wounded Corporal MIRELES in the leg. A medical aid man in close proximity to him persuaded him to move to a less exposed position to receive first aid for his wound. After his leg was bandaged, Corporal MIRELES ran back to his previous firing position and re-engaged the enemy in an intense fire fight. When the enemy troops entered the trenches, he charged at them, throwing fragmentation grenades and firing his weapon. An enemy grenade fell near him, wounding him seriously. As the medical aidman was evacuating him, he repeatedly sought to return to his comrades and continue the fight. Corporal MIRELES' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Texas.

Mojica, Antonio Pizarro

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 286 - 16 July 1951

CORPORAL ANTONIO PIZARRO MOJICA, ER30428931, Infantry, Company "A", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 11 April 1951, near Yonggan-myon, Korea, Corporal PIZARRO MOJICA accompanied a patrol into hostile territory to determine enemy dispositions and movement. As the patrol was returning to friendly lines it was subjected to an intense mortar barrage. Noticing a wounded comrade lying in an exposed area, Corporal PIZARRO MOJICA ran to his assistance and, after administering first aid, proceeded to carry the soldier to a protected position. While trying to cross a dike, he was shot in the back by an enemy sniper. Completely ignoring the painful wound, Corporal PIZARRO MOJICA courageously dragged the stricken infantryman over the dike to safety. The selfless gallantry displayed by Corporal PIZARRO MOJICA reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Montalvo, Pfc. Marine Narvaez (KIA)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 197 - 17 June 1951

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS MARINE NARVAEZ MONTALVO, ER30415205, Army Medical Service, Medical Company, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 29 April 1951, Company "C", 65th Infantry, sustained several casualties while attacking well-defended enemy positions on Hill 272, Korea.  Private NARVAEZ MONTALVO, attached to Company "C" as an aid man, repeatedly braved intense hostile fire to give medical assistance to his wounded comrades. When a friendly infantryman was severely wounded and completely surrounded by the enemy, Private NARVAEZ MONTALVO fought his way to the stricken soldier's side, wounding several enemy. He was subjected to a fanatical enemy attack while rendering first aid and, while offering valiant resistance, was mortally wounded. The outstanding gallantry and exemplary devotion to duty displayed by Private NARVAEZ MONTALVO reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Moog, Robert J.

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 197
HEADQUARTERS 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION
10 August 1951

AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ROBERT J. MOOG, RA20504448, Infantry, United States Army, Company L, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 15-16 February 1951, near Chipyong-ni, Korea.  During the engagement of Task Force Crombez, SERGEANT MOOG courageously engaged the enemy to prevent attempts to destroy the armor and covered his tank's blind side with his own weapon.  Although hostile rocket launcher crews made all-out attempts to stop the advancing column, and fanatical troops carrying satchel and pole charges attacked the column in waves, SERGEANT MOOG, though wounded, constantly displayed outstanding fighting qualities and an eagerness to close with the Chinese.  Aided by his courage and selfless devotion to duty, Task Force Crombez smashed through the 4 1/2 mile defensive position, killing over 500 enemy, and arriving at the objective in time to repulse a strong assault by the Chinese against the encircled 23rd Infantry Regimental Combat Team.  SERGEANT MOOG's gallantry reflects great credit on himself and the military service.  Entered federal service from Ohio.

Moore, Harold W.

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 146
8 APRIL 1951
AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

First Lieutenant HAROLD W. MOORE, United States Air Force. Lieutenant MOORE distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 2 February 1951 by rescuing a pilot and observer from behind enemy-held positions near Sangch'angbong-ni, Korea. Piloting an unarmed, highly vulnerable H-5 type aircraft, he flew thirty miles behind enemy lines to rescue the two airmen who were hemmed in by cross fire from machine guns and small arms. While friendly fighter strafed the area to minimize enemy ground attack, Lieutenant MOORE landed the helicopter. Demonstrating complete disregard for his safety, he remained at the controls despite the heavy fire which was being directed at him. As the downed airmen crawled toward the helicopter, four bullets struck the aircraft and missed Lieutenant MOORE'S head by inches. Immediately after the airmen boarded the helicopter, Lieutenant MOORE took off. At this time the aircraft was again hit by enemy fire, and after striking the rotor blade, the bullet penetrated the pylon going into the fan assembly. By his heroic act, Lieutenant MOORE saved the lives of two Air Force personnel. His remarkable courage while under enemy attack was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

Moore, Pvt. Rex D. (KIA)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS, 7th INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS #322 - 15 June 1953

Pvt. REX D. MOORE, Army Medical Service, United States Army, a member of Medical Company, 17th Infantry, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Yonchon, Korea.  On 17 March 1953, Private MOORE was a member of a group that was occupying strategic defensive outpost positions.  Although the area was under intense enemy artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire, Private MOORE fearlessly moved through open terrain to administer first aid.  Hearing a cry for help, Private MOORE, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved to the wounded man and performed on-the-spot first aid.  Private MOORE continued administering aid to the wounded until an enemy mortar round landed near him, taking his life.  The gallantry displayed by Private MOORE reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.  Entered the Federal service from Idaho.

Morales, Sgt. Carlos Bonet (KIA)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 285 - 16 July 1951

SERGEANT CARLOS BONET MORALES, ER30423990, Army Medical Service, Medical  Company, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 3 June 1951, near Songbong-ni, Korea, while attacking well-defended enemy emplacements a medical aid man attached to Company "C", unhesitatingly braved an intense barrage of hostile fire to render valuable medical assistance to his stricken comrades. After evacuating two infantrymen to a covered position, he again voluntarily exposed himself to administer life-saving plasma to a severely wounded soldier and, while thus engaged, was mortally wounded by shell fragments. Sergeant BONET-MORALES' gallantry, fearlessness, and genuine concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Mortensen, Benjamin F.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 351 - 18 August 1953

Chaplain (First Lieutenant) BENJAMIN F. MORTENSEN, 0999809, Chaplains Corps, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the afternoon of 27 July 1953, the 1st Battalion Headquarters area in the vicinity of Pong-Dong, Korea, was subjected to a devastating concentration of artillery fire by enemy forces. Chaplain MORTENSEN, who was positioned in the command post at the inception of the action, made his way directly to the aid station in anticipation of casualties. As he moved through the intensely shelled area, he came upon an officer lying critically wounded on the open ground. As enemy fire increased in intensity, Chaplain MORTENSEN unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the wounded man, shielding him from further harm. When the fire diminished, Chaplain MORTENSEN aided in the further removal of the wounded officer to the aid station and remained there giving comfort and assistance to the wounded. As the shelling continued, Chaplain MORTENSEN again exposed himself to the enemy fire as he moved about to render aid and comfort to other men who fell casualties to the relentless fire. Chaplain MORTENSEN'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Utah.