Tomas Rosa-Claudio

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Tomas Rosa-Claudio (ER30443526), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 March 1951, Company F was attacking enemy positions on Hill 398 in the vicinity of Choksong-myon, Korea. As scout of the lead platoon, Private Rosa-Claudio was in front of the advance assault elements. In crossing an open area, he found himself being subjected to severe mortar fire and hand grenades which the enemy was directing toward his unit as it moved up the hill. Private Rosa-Claudio, seeing that the barrage of grenades was causing casualties among his platoon, deliberately advanced toward the concealed foe and engaged him with small arms fire at close range. With great risk to his own life, he secured a position, despite the pressure of enemy fire, and held it, until a second platoon assaulted and drove the enemy before them. Private Rosa-Claudio’s inspiring example of bravery and gallant action reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.