GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 303 - 23 JULY 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, and Department of the Army Message W89043, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device (First Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following-named officers and enlisted men:

 

       PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JAMES SALAS, ER57011099, Infantry, Company "F", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 22 April 1951, near Hugsong-ni, Korea, Company "F" was given the mission of securing a commanding hill which would afford protective covering for an engineer team working deep in enemy-held territory. Nearing the objective, the point squad encountered strong resistance and was forced to take cover the withering enemy fire. Realizing the necessity for immediate action, Private SALAS, a scout with the leading elements, voluntarily exposed himself and engaged the enemy in a fierce firefight. Inspired by Private SALAS' display of courage, the remainder of the squad joined him in assaulting the hostile defenses, forcing the enemy to withdraw and enabling the friendly troops to secure the objective. Private SALAS' heroism reflects great credit upon himself and exemplifies the high traditions of 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.