GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 345 - 22 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:  

    Sergeant ENRIQUE ZABALA SOTO. RA29131902, Infantry, Company "D", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 16 August 1952 Sergeant ZABALA SOTO and his machine gun section were assigned the mission of giving support to Company "B" in the event of an enemy attack in the vicinity of Chong jachon, Korea. After they had occupied their position, they were subjected to a heavy enemy mortar barrage. Sergeant ZABALA SOTO, believing he heard the distant cries of a wounded man selected a few volunteers and prepared to canvas the area in search of the casualty. After crawling through mine fields in his arduous search and fearlessly leading his men through the murderous enemy fire, he located the wounded man. Ordering his men to take cover and with utter disregard for his personal safety, he remained in an exposed position, rendering first aid. Personally carrying the injured man over hazardous terrain to a friendly position, he made arrangements for his immediate evacuation. The outstanding bravery and superior leadership displayed by Sergeant ZABALA SOTO was instrumental in saving the life of a 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.