Jose Ramon Gotay

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jose Ramon Gotay (RA30402756), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 27 April 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, while attempting to hold blocking positions against an enemy force, Company B was finally surrounded. Near dawn the enemy launched a fierce assault on the friendly outpost near the crest of Hill 476. Sergeant Gotay, who was in command of the defense position, continually encouraged his comrades to increase their volume of fire. Inspired by his exemplary leadership, the friendly troops fired round after round into the attacker’s ranks, enabling the company to break out of the encirclement and withdraw to more tenable positions. Sergeant Gotay’s gallantry under fire reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.