GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 350 - 13 December 1952

 

    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: 

   Master Sergeant SANTOS CANDELARIO, RA30446908, Infantry, Company "C", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. In the early morning hours of 19 July 1952, Company "C", of which Sergeant CANDELARIO was a platoon sergeant, was assigned the mission of attacking an enemy occupied hill in the vicinity of Yu-hyon, Korea. As the forward assault elements neared their objective, they were suddenly subjected to intense enemy small arms, grenade and mortar fire. Sergeant CANDELARIO, realizing that his men were becoming disorganized by the heavy volume of fire, began shouting words of encouragement as he fearlessly led them up the hill toward the hostile fortifications. While bitterly engaging the foe he was severely wounded by an enemy grenade, but he continued to lead his men in the fierce conflict. After advancing to within a few feet of the enemy trenches and engaging the foe he was severely wounded by an enemy grenade, but he continued to lead his men in the fierce conflict. After advancing to within a few feet of the enemy trenches and engaging in a small arms and grenade battle, he again was wounded and thrown to the ground by an enemy grenade. As the ever increasing velocity of enemy fire forced the friendly unit to withdraw, he ignored his intense pain, refused evacuation and remained behind providing effective covering fire for his unit. He continued to assist in the movements of his platoon until he lost consciousness. Sergeant CANDELARIO'S outstanding heroism and intrepid actions under hostile fire reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Puerto Rico.