Domingo Ortiz-Perez

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Domingo Ortiz-Perez (RA6674712), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 16 December 1950, the enemy launched a fierce attack and penetrated positions held by Company M and Company I of the 65th Infantry. Small groups of the enemy infiltrated in and around the nearby village of Sanghung, Korea, and four enemy soldiers managed to reach a flanking position from which they directed deadly small arms and automatic weapons fire upon the men of Company M who had been assigned the task of clearing the village and retaking lost positions. Realizing that the situation called for immediate action, Sergeant Ortiz-Perez voluntarily and single-handedly attacked the aggressors, forcing them to take cover inside a house from which they returned his fire. He cautiously made his way to the building, threw a grenade inside of it, and a few minutes later called for the occupants to surrender. When the enemy gave no indication of surrendering, Sergeant Ortiz-Perez assaulted the house, managed to kill three enemy soldiers in close combat, and captured the fourth. This action, executed by Sergeant Ortiz-Perez at great danger to his own life, materially contributed to the ultimate success of the mission. Sergeant Ortiz-Perez’s gallantry and faithful devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.