GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 147  17 May 1951

 

    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 men :

MASTER SERGEANT RAFAEL GUTIERREZ, RA6674668, Infantry, Company "E", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 17 December 1950, in the vicinity of Hungnam, Korea, the command post of Company "E" was attacked by a large enemy force. Because of poor weather conditions, the force was not detected until they opened up with machine guns and small arms fire. Sergeant GUTIEREZ was in charge of the command post personnel. Although exposed to the intense hail of bullets, he quickly organized his men into a hasty defensive line and effectively returned fire on the enemy. Sergeant GUTIERREZ, heedless of his own safety, continuously moved about from man to man, pointing out targets and instilling courage in his men. His quick thinking and capable leadership caused such deadly fire to be thrown into the enemy that his attack was completely disorganized and he was compelled to retreat, suffering many casualties. Sergeant GUTIRREZ'S courage and heroic actions were an inspiration to his men and 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.