Noel Vasquez

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Noel Vasquez (RA29160297), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 9 June 1953, a daylight combat patrol left the main line of resistance assigned the mission of assaulting Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Sergeant Vasquez was assistant patrol leader of the forward assault element that closed with the enemy, inflicting numerous casualties on the foe. When the patrol entered the trenches of the enemy stronghold, he exposed himself to intense fire to reach the mouth of a cave and destroy it with hand grenades. On one occasion, he saw two of the enemy approaching his patrol leader and immediately he mortally wounded the foe. Firing his weapon, although wounded by fragments from a hand grenade, Sergeant Vasquez continued firing his weapon until his ammunition was expended. He then directed the effective fire of other members of the patrol. Sergeant Vasquez’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.