Benjamin Pagan

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Benjamin Pagan (0-959120), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 28 November 1950, in the vicinity of Chomdang-dong, Korea, while on patrol, Lieutenant Pagan displayed gallantry in action. As the patrol was moving, it was fired upon by enemy forces entrenched on a high ridge. Lieutenant Pagan immediately deployed his platoon in an effort to drive the enemy from the ridge. After an intense fire fight in which he displayed personal bravery and leadership he was ordered to cover the withdrawal of the company. The company successfully withdrew, but upon reaching the assembly area Lieutenant Pagan discovered that he had two men missing. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he returned alone to the ridge under enemy fire, located the two men, and brought them back to the comparative safety of the platoon. Lieutenant Pagan’s intrepid leadership and concern for the men in his command reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.