Ruben Garcia-Morales

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ruben Garcia-Morales (1259946), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division, FMF, in Korea, on 11 January 1953. Serving as a rifleman, Private First Class Garcia-Morales displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty during an assault on a strongly defended enemy hill position. Before the squad reached the enemy trenchline, it was pinned down by intense automatic weapons and hand grenade fire. In order to prevent complete annihilation of his comrades, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and single-handedly advanced up the fire-swept slope. Although he was repeatedly forced back by the grenade fire, he eventually reached the trenchline and silence the enemy machine gun with two grenades. Despite the continued enemy fire, he remained in his hazardous position until he had covered the squad’s withdrawal from the hill. Private First Class Garcia-Morales’ gallant and courageous actions served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.