GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 374 - 22 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:

   Sergeant CRISANTO MATOS SANTIAGO, US50105245, Infantry, Company "L", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 21 July 1952, Sergeant MATOS SANTIAGO was assigned the mission of leading a five man reconnaissance patrol in the vicinity of Koyang-dae, Korea. Shortly after the friendly patrol proceeded on their mission, they encountered intense enemy mortar and machine gun fire. Upon reporting the hostile action, Sergeant MATOS SANTIAGO was ordered to return with his squad to the nearest friendly listening post. Arriving at the listening post and discovering that one of his men was missing, he immediately and fearlessly returned to the fire-swept area to search for the missing man. Locating and discovering that the casualty had been seriously wounded in the legs and was unable to walk, Sergeant MATOS SANTIAGO, with complete disregard for his personal safety, carried the wounded man through the fierce hostile fire to the safety of friendly positions. The extreme courage and selfless actions displayed by Sergeant MATOS SANTIAGO saved the life of his fellow soldier and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Puerto Rico.

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

National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.