Bronze Star

Private First Class Cruz Cartagena, RA57011261, Infantry, Company "B",
65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 18 December 1950,
near Oro-ri, Korea, Private Cartagena was operating a machine gun when an
estimated four hundred enemy troops armed with automatic weapons and grenades
attacked the front and right flank of the company defensive positions. Early
in the attack, Private Cartagena was wounded and the machine gun belt set on
fire. Completely disregarding his wound, he removed the burning ammunition
belt, put in a fresh belt and fired into the ranks of the advancing enemy.
He refused medical aid until the enemy was forced to retreat. The courage
and devotion to duty displayed by Private Cartagena reflect great credit upon
himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

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

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