Ramon Santiago-Roque

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ramon Santiago-Roque (RA30423607), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 21 February 1951, the 3d Platoon of Company L was gathering river crossing data along the Han River in Korea, when it came under incessant fire from a well dug-in enemy force on the other side of the river. When the platoon leader and five other members of the platoon were killed and the remainder of the men pinned down, Sergeant Santiago-Roque took command of the platoon. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he ran from man to man directing fire and reorganizing the platoon. When an order to evacuate the wounded and withdraw from the area was given, Sergeant Santiago-Roque braved the heavy fire to inform each man. Four times he exposed himself upon the barren slope approaching the bank of the river in order to evacuate the wounded. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Santiago-Roque reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.