Pablo Sierra

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Pablo Sierra (US51062889), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 30 September 1951, Company I, engaged in an attack on a well-fortified hill near Chorwon, Korea, was subjected to intense fire from the entrenched enemy. Realizing that the hill could only be taken with bayonet and grenade as friendly mortar and artillery fire had failed to dislodge the hostile troops, Sergeant Sierra led his squad in an assault on the first pillbox. Although several of his men were felled by the hail of fire, he continued to fearlessly advance and destroy the occupants of the emplacement with hand grenades. Inspired by his example, the attack gained momentum and the hostile defense was broken. Fearlessly exposing himself, Sergeant Sierra mounted a machine gun on the crest of the hill and delivered a lethal fire into the retreating foe; however, while so engaged, he was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. The singular gallantry and courage displayed by Sergeant Sierra reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.