GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 498  24 November 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:

Second Lieutenant ROBERT R. GONZALES, 01883195, Infantry, Company "I", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the night of 9 June and early morning hours of 10 June 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Lieutenant GONZALES was leader of a reconnaissance patrol advancing toward enemy held Hill "412". Nearing the crest of the objective, the group was  subjected to heavy fire from defensive positions on the hill and sustained several casualties. Among whom was Lieutenant GONZALES. He bravely refused medical treatment and immediately assisted in aiding and removing two other wounded patrol members to safety. Courageously disregarding the enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, he guided his men to a sheltered position and only after a relief party had arrived to complete the mission did he permit aidmen to treat his wounds. Lieutenant GONZALES' outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Colorado.

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