Joe R. Baldonado

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joe R. Baldonado (RA19324868), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a machine-gunner with Company B, 1st Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. Corporal Baldonado distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kang-deng, Korea, on 25 November 1950. On that date, at 0400 hours, the 2d platoon of Company B was occupying positions on Hill 171 near Kang-deng when the enemy launched a strong attack in an effort to seize the hill. By 0600 hours, the platoon had expended most of its ammunition in repelling the enemy attack, and the platoon leader decided to commit his third squad, with its supply of ammunition, in the defensive action. Since there was not time to dig in because of the proximity of the had advanced to within twenty-five yards of the platoon positions, Corporal Baldonado, machine-gunner of the third squad, placed his weapon in an exposed position and delivered a withering stream of fire on the advancing enemy, causing them to fall back in disorder. The enemy then concentrated all their fire on Corporal Baldonado’s gun and attempted to knock it out by rushing the position in small groups and hurling grenades. Several times grenades exploded extremely close to Corporal Baldonado, but failed to interrupt his continuous firing. The hostile troops made repeated attempts to storm his position and were driven back each time with appalling casualties. The enemy finally withdrew at 0700 hours after making a final assault on corporal Baldonado’s position during which a grenade landed near his gun, killing him instantly.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 355 (May 26, 1951)