Hector E. Pineiro

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Hector E. Pineiro (0-959121), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. In the early morning hours of 27 April 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, a heavy enemy attack had forced a company on the right flank of Lieutenant Pineiro’s platoon to withdraw within his unit’s perimeter, thereby shifting the full weight of the enemy fire power to the platoon’s sector of the line. Despite the fierce hostile fire Lieutenant Pineiro’s repeatedly exposed himself to reorganize and deploy the company’s troops within the perimeter. By dawn the unit was surrounded and subjected to a merciless barrage of enemy fire, making it necessary to withdraw. After creating a gap in the enemy lines, the platoon withdrew while Lieutenant Pineiro stayed behind and covered the escape. Although burdened with the multiple duties of his front-line command, the brave officer unhesitatingly moved forward and twice assisted in the care and evacuation of wounded soldiers. Lieutenant Pineiro’s gallantry and exemplary leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.