Paulino E. Hernaez

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Paulino E. Hernaez (US50000470), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Private Hernaez distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yonchon, Korea, on 30 May 1951. On that date, Private Hernaez was acting as leading scout of a platoon whose mission was to break through hostile defenses in an effort to aid two friendly squads that had been encircled by the enemy. As the platoon advanced up a slope, it was subjected to intense fire from four hostile machine-guns and was pinned down. Realizing that his comrades faced annihilation, Private Hernaez quickly made his way to the left flank of the enemy positions and, without hesitation, single-handedly charged the hostile emplacements. Although hit almost immediately by the heavy volume of enemy fire concentrated on him, he continued his charge toward the enemy positions until mortally wounded. His sudden attack distracted the enemy, thereby enabling his comrades to renew their assault. Inspired by the courageous act of Private Hernaez, the friendly troops routed the enemy and successfully completed their mission
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 746 (October 6, 1951)