GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 465  29 October 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL (FIRST BRONZE OAK-LEAF CLUSTER). - 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 man:

Captain JOSE F. MENDEZ, 0453159, Infantry, Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the night of 25 July and early morning hours of 26 July 1953, in the vicinity of Pong-Dong, Korea, the enemy commenced to bombard the 1st Battalion area with intense artillery fire and inflicted several casualties. Captain MENDEZ bravely left the protection of his foxhole to aid the wounded in the initial barrage and direct the evacuation. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he courageously move about the terrain under fire in search of additional casualties. His brave action and words of encouragement were instrumental in maintaining the unit's high morale and alleviated much suffering among those wounded by the enemy fire. Captain MENDEZ'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal 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.