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65th Infantry Regiment

Bronze Star

HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 176 - 9  JUNE 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 (First Bronze Oak-Leaf Cluster) with Letter "V" for heroic achievement in connection ith military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named enlisted men:

     Master Sergeant (then Sergeant First Class) HIPOLITO OLMEDA, RA30410478, Infantry, Company "A", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 22 February 1953, in the vicinity of Chonyong-Ni, Korea, Sergeant OLMEDA a member of Company "A", advanced to the second platoon's listening post for the purpose of investigating his sentinels' report of suspected enemy movement, at the position, he detected and reported to the platoon leader signs of an enemy force proceeding in their direction. Disregarding his personal safety, he remained alone at the listening post, covering the return of the men from the post to the main line of resistance. After he was assured of the men's safety, he began moving back to friendly lines. While enroute, he noted that the enemy was rapidly closing for the attack. Realizing they must be delayed to allow time for friendly forces to prepare for the defense, he opened fire, causing the enemy troops to deploy and expose their firing positions. This action brought intense hostile fire on Sergeant OLMEDA, but he remained in the exposed position and continued firing until ordered back into the friendly trenches. Sergeant OLMEDA'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Puerto Rico.