Juan F. Rodriguez-Forty

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Juan F. Rodriguez-Forty (US29129750), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 3 June 1951, Company C launched an attack on the enemy, holding Hill 466 near Sunbong-ni, Korea. From the advantageously located enemy positions on sheer rocky cliffs approaching the hill, the hostile troops brought the First Platoon under intense fire, slowing the advance. Private Rodriguez-Forty, to facilitate the attack and with complete disregard for his personal safety, climbed the cliffs in the face of hostile fire, pausing only to throw some of the enemy’s own hand grenades back at them. Assisted by another enlisted man, he successfully charged and destroyed two enemy machine guns and killed the gunners. Private Rodriguez-Forty’s gallantry and courage greatly aided the company in seizing its objective and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.