GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 351 - 30 November 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: 

   Private First Class DEMETRIO VILLALOBOS MELENDEZ, US50100991, Army Medical Service, Medical Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 19 July 1952, Company "C" was assigned the mission of assaulting enemy fortifications on a hill in the vicinity of Yu-hyon, Korea. Shortly after the leading elements of the friendly unit proceeded up the hill towards their objective they were subjected to intense enemy small arms, grenade,  mortar, and artillery fire resulting in heavy friendly casualties. Unhesitating Private VILLABOBOS MELENDEZ, a medical aid man, fearlessly moved through the hostile fire, rendering first aid to the wounded. Although the mortar rounds continued to fall about him, he remained in exposed positions as he evacuated the more severely wounded to positions of comparative safety. Remaining with the wounded he administered further medical treatment and gave them words of encouragement and comfort. Private VILLALOBOS MELENDEZ' outstanding courage and devotion to duty were instrumental in saving the lives of some of his fellow soldiers and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Puerto Rico.