Miguel L. Becerril-Saavedra

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Miguel L. Becerril-Saavedra (RA30451639), 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 19 April 1951, when the First Platoon of Company C was ordered to attack and seize the high ground near Hwanchan-dong, Korea, Private Becerril-Saavedra, an acting squad leader, and his men were leading the advance. Upon coming under intense enemy small arms and mortar fire, Private Becerril-Saavedra, with no thought for his personal safety, completely exposed himself in order to direct the fire and movement of his squad by arm and oral commands. After a long fire fight with the enemy, he led his squad in a bayonet assault which resulted in the death of five enemy soldiers, the capture of an enemy mortar and the seizure of the objective. The gallantry and exceptional leadership displayed by Private Becerril-Saavedra reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.