Arthur ARTHUR Ramirez

The President of the United States, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, has awarded the Silver Star to Private First Class Arthur Ramirez for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Ramirez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 January 1971 while serving as a rifleman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date an element of Company C was on a reconnaissance operation when they were suddenly attacked by a large enemy force. Private Ramirez was walking in the lead element when he spotted an enemy bunker in the heavy vegetation. He alerted his squad leader and then advanced toward the complex to investigate. When he was approximately 15 meters from the bunker, a large enemy force suddenly attacked with devastating automatic weapons and small arms fire. Private Ramirez was seriously wounded in the initial exchange of fire. However, ignoring his painful wounds, he continued to crawl toward the enemy force as he placed suppressive fire on their positions. His advance was finally halted by the intense enemy, fire, but he refused to withdraw, and instead took cover in close proximity to the enemy position. During the next hour and a half, he continued to place effective fire on the hostile force and assisted in locating two enemy soldiers in nearby trees. Private Ramirez’s proximity to the enemy locations denied the enemy the capability of maneuvering against the friendly element during this stage of the contact. At this time Private Ramirez was wounded again and finally evacuated to a secure position. Private First Class Ramirez’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.