Fernando Diaz

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Fernando Diaz (RA30432468), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 18 December 1950, near Hamhung, Korea, during a night engagement with the enemy, Sergeant Diaz braved enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to re-establish communications between Regimental Headquarters and one of the battalions. When some of the members of his crew seemed reluctant to advance into the face of enemy fire, Sergeant Diaz unhesitatingly moved alone and examined approximately 200 yards of wire until the break was discovered. Still subjected to intense hostile fire, he calmly repaired the damage and placed test calls to the regimental and battalion switchboards before returning to the safety of the friendly lines. Sergeant Diaz’s gallant devotion to duty ensured the success of the unit’s mission and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.