Felix G. Nieves

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Felix G. Nieves (RA10402044), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 2 February 1951, near Chensong-gok, Korea during a fierce enemy attack against the defensive positions held by Sergeant Nieves’ platoon, one of the squad leaders was mortally wounded and the squad, becoming completely disorganized, withdrew before the fury of the attack. With complete disregard for his own safety, exposing himself to the enemy’s view, allowed his body to be employed as an aiming stake so that effective friendly machine gun and mortar fire could be directed at the advancing enemy. Defiantly shouting at the enemy, throwing grenades and firing his rifle, blowing a whistle and brandishing his bayonet, Sergeant Nieves single-handedly held an area normally assigned to an entire rifle squad and threw the enemy into a state of complete confusion. Sergeant Nieves’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Felix G. Nieves (RA10402044), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, on 11 December 1950, near Sudong-ni, Korea. Sergeant Nieves’ company had been holding off a numerically superior force of the enemy for three days while protecting the vitally important withdrawal of members of the 1st. Marines and 7th Infantry Divisions toward Hamhung. After the final group of soldiers and marines had passed G company’s defense positions, the company was ordered to withdraw and serve as a rear-guard for the main body of troops as far south as Majong-dong. Sergeant Nieves’ platoon was ordered to cover the company’s withdrawal and his squad to cover the withdrawal of the platoon. As the platoon was completing its withdrawal, an enemy attack in force developed. Sergeant Nieves fearlessly ordered his squad to withdraw as he alone defended the position in the face of heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire. He killed at least eighteen of the enemy and caused the remainder to become confused and disorganized, allowing his squad to gain the comparative safety of the retreating column. Sergeant Nieves’ ability in the use of his basic infantry weapons, the hand grenade and rifle, as well as his great courage saved the lives of many of his follow soldiers. His extraordinary heroism reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.