GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 133  13 May 1951

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL  - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named enlisted men :

FIRST LIEUTENANT GERARDO LATONY, 0988969, Infantry, Company "H", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the night of 2 February 1951 an estimated enemy force of approximately one hundred to one hundred and twenty five in number attacked the 2nd Battalion's defensive perimeter located somewhere near Tongchon-ni, Korea. A portion of the enemy force, being unable to penetrate the perimeter from the northeast, eventually infiltrated through the rear defense in the vicinity of the battalion command post and the Heavy Weapons Company. When the Heavy Weapons Commander was disabled by an enemy grenade, Lieutenant LATONY unhesitatingly took charge of the situation and reprganized the rear area defenses. With little regard for his own safety, he encouraged his troops to hold their ground and to seek out the enemy who was throwing grenades in an attempt to destroy the unit's vehicles. The personal example and the leadership qualities displayed by Lieutenant LATONY so stimulated his men that they were succesfully able to repel the enemy's attack. Lieutenant LATONY'S heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

 Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.