GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 348 - 27 November 1952

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named enlisted men: 

   Private First Class MIGUEL A DIAZ BONILLA, US50111934, Infantry, Company "C", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, United States Army. In the early morning of 19 July 1952, Company "C" was assigned the mission of attacking an enemy occupied hill and capturing prisoners for intelligence purposes, in the vicinity of Yu-hyon, Korea. As the leading elements neared their objective, they were suddenly subjected to an intense enemy mortar barrage and were compelled to withdraw. Volunteering to remain behind, Private DIAZ BONILLA, a squad leader, served as a rear guard as the friendly force withdrew. Upon rejoining his unit at its new position and learning that friendly casualties remained on the critical shell torn hill from which they were previously forced to withdraw, he unhesitatingly volunteered to go back and evacuate the wounded. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he raced through the devastating enemy fire and returned to his unit with a wounded soldier whom he had personally evacuated. He again joined in the evacuation mission and worked feverishly until the wounded were evacuated and given the proper medical attention by the friendly unit. Private DIAZ BONILLA'S outstanding courage and selfless actions under enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from New York. 

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3^rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 -

National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.