Benjamin A. Ponciano

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Benjamin A. Ponciano (RA30111683), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant Ponciano distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Waegwan, Korea, on 16 September 1950. Sergeant Ponciano, with a companion, was assisting his platoon in attacking the center of a ridge from which came a preponderance of enemy fire, a strongpoint that was successfully holding up the advance of the entire battalion. Being on the left flank of his platoon, he observed prepared enemy positions that posed a serious threat to the left rear of his advancing platoon. Unable to attract the attention of the endangered personnel, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he attempted to eliminate the nearest enemy machine-gun position. Together with his companion, he was able to destroy the enemy machine-gun, but in so doing was mortally wounded and sacrificed his own life in order to protect his comrades.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 19, (January 12, 1951)