GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 284  27 July 1953

 

    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 officer and enlisted men:

First Lieutenant GUSTAVO A. RAMIREZ DE ARELLANO, 02097339, Medical Corps, Medical Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. In the early hours of 11 June 1953, Company "B", occupying a sector of the 1st Battalion's line of resistance, was subjected to intense artillery and mortar fire prior to an enemy attack in the vicinity of Kumewa, Korea. As the battle progressed, friendly forces suffered numerous casualties as a result of the fierce hand-to-hand fighting that occurred in the friendly trenches. Lieutenant RAMIREZ DE ARELLANO, at the time of the attack, was performing a delicate and serious operation in the 3d Battalion area. After successfully completing this operation, he made his way to the 1st Battalion aid station, through the devastating concentrations of hostile fire where a steady flow of wounded were being received. He gave the wounded medical aid despite the severest restrictions of blackout and limited field surgical facilities. He worked tirelessely throughout the attack, while under continual artillery and mortar fire, performing competent, professional surgery. Facing the necessity of operating on a wounded man who had badly injured legs, he successfully accomplished an operation of three hours duration, achieveing results normally associated with ideal operational conditions. As a result of his exemplary actions, he was indispensable in aiding the wounded, saving the lives of friendly soldiers, and alleviating much suffering. Lieutenant RAMIREZ DE ARELLANO'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Wisconsin.

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