Luis E. Maldonado-Matos

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Luis E. Maldonado-Matos (RA30409759), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. On 26 – 27 April 1951, near Ckugyo, Korea, Company A launched an attack against a well-defended enemy hill position. Corporal Maldonado- Matos, attached to Company A for this operation, saw an enemy soldier attempt to stab a friendly infantryman. Fearlessly rushing to his comrade’s assistance, he overpowered the enemy soldier and killed him with a pistol. When the enemy launched a surprise counterattack a short time later, Corporal Maldonado-Matos directed accurate machine gun fire into the attacker’s ranks and momentarily checked the enemy’s advance. When the unit received orders to withdraw, he courageously remained behind and fired round after round of ammunition at the assaulting troops. Only after he was assured that his comrades had reached more tenable positions did he rejoin the unit. Corporal Maldonado-Matos’ gallant and aggressive actions reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.