GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 370 - 19 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:

   Private ESBELTO LOPEZ SANCHEZ, US51135661, Infantry, Company "B", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the afternoon of 26 September 1952, a platoon of Company "B" was assigned the mission of retaking an enemy held outpost, known as "Big Nori", in the vicinity of New Chrio-dong, Korea. The first sad successfully crossed the Imjin Rivera by boat, and prepared to advance upon their objective. As the second squad of which Private LOPEZ SANCHEZ was a member, was midway across the river, it was subjected to intense hostile artillery fire. Realizing it was necessary to return the boat for the next squad, Private LOPEZ SANCHEZ unhesitatingly and voluntarily manipulated the boat through the fierce enemy fire, successfully crossing with the third squad. Braving the perilous hostile barrage, he again crossed the river of contention and transported the medical and communications personnel to the friendly positions on the opposite shore of the river. Due to the dangers of overloading the boat, it was necessary for him to make a third crossing of the river in order to join the remaining men with the friendly unit. Private LOPEZ SANCHEZ' outstanding heroism and daring actions enabled the friendly unit to safely cross the river and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from New Jersey.

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3^rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131

 National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.