GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 218  22 June 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 officers and enlisted man :

CORPORAL PASCUAL MELENDEZ, RA10404166, Infantry, Company "F", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 31 March 1951, Company "F" attacked firmly entrenched enemy positions on Hill 398 in the vicinity of Choksong-myon, Korea. Corporal MELENDEZ, a light machine gunner, was behind the leading elements of the platoon when the assault began. In the absence of his squad leader who was bringing up the ammunition bearers, Corporal MELENDEZ, voluntarily rushed forward with his machine gun and, despite heavy enemy fire, placed the weapon in an exposed position and supported the assault with accurate fire. As the platoon continued moving up, Corporal MELENDEZ, with no regard for his own safety, courageously kept abreast of the advance units and, although the terrain afforded little cover, laid down an effective base of protective fire for his comrades. Corporal MELENDEZ' heroism and aggressiveness materially contributed to the successful accomplishment of the assogmed ,ossopm amd ref;ect 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.

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