GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 199  17 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 enlisted men :

SERGEANT (then PRIVATE FIRST CLASS) JAVIER F. PACHECO, RA30400624, Infantry, Company "K", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 2 March 1951, near Seoul, Korea, while attempting a crossing of the Han River to determine enemy dispositions and strength, Sergeant PACHECO'S patrol was subjected to intense fire as it neared the north bank. Despite his exposed position near the bow of the boat, Sergeant PACHECO seized an automatic weapon from a fellow soldier and returned the enemy's fire. When the patrol leader gave an order to turn back, Sergeant PACHECO shifted his position in the boat and courageously continued firing in support of the withdrawal. As the craft unloaded at the landing site, a concentration of enemy mortar fire wounded a member of the patrol. Sergeant PACHECO voluntarily returned to the boat and assisted in carrying his wounded comrade to safety where he administered first aid to the stricken soldier who was later evacuated in a helicopter. Sergenat PACHECO'S heroic actions 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.

Back