GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 256- 5 July 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 officers and enlisted men: 

  CORPORAL FLORENTINO PONCE DE LEON, RA30434120, Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 26 April 1951, near Ilbisand-ni, Korea, as the 2d Battalion was under attack by an estimated two regiments of the enemy, a fanatical hostile assault was launched against the heavy mortar position forcing the mortar crews to withdraw. Corporal PONCE DE LEON at once assumed command and effected the establishment of a new line of resistance which contained the sudden enemy attack. Corporal PONCE DE LEON'S heroism, courage and initiative in the face of heavy enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.