Victor Lizardi

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Victor Lizardi (NG29153835), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company L 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the morning of 16 February 1952, a patrol from Company L was dispatched with the assignment of contacting the enemy on Hill 153 near Tongchon, Korea. As the patrol advanced toward its objective, it was subjected to intense hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire from a well-entrenched bunker. The initial burst of fire inflicted four friendly casualties and pinned down the remainder of the patrol, preventing its further progress. Private Lizardi, realizing the necessity for neutralizing this enemy position, completely disregarded his personal safety as he dashed through a withering hail of enemy bullets directly toward the bunker and, when approximately twenty yards from the foe, he accurately hurled two hand grenades into the hostile emplacement, forcing its occupants to flee. The inspirational heroism displayed by Private Lizardi in single-handedly destroying an enemy position reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.