Oakes, Ronald E.

Second Lieutenant Ronald E. Oakes, 02033763, Field Artillery, United States Army, a member of Headquarters Battery, 63rd Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, is awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy on 8 July 1950 at Pude-ri, Korea. Lieutenant Oakes volunteered repeatedly to conduct fire missions on the enemy as called for by the 34th Infantry Regiment. Coming under intense enemy fire he withdrew to a new location only to find himself cut off by enemy tanks. While adjusting artillery fire on the enemy of 9 July his position was completely surrounded. He continued his mission and to relay that of the Liaison Officer in Chonan while pinned down by mortar and small arms fire. He then ordered protective fire around his own position in order to lead his party, two of which were wounded, into adjacent hills and to safety. By his coolness and skill under fire, he was able to accomplish his mission which resulted in destroying many of the enemy. This outstanding courage and leadership reflects the highest credit on himself and the military service. GO 88, 13 August 1950. He entered the service from Charleston, WV.

Ocasio, Angel Luis (KIA)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 290 - 17 July 1951

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ANGEL L. OCASIO, RA10403238, Infantry, Company "F", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 23 April 1951, in the vicinity of Ognyo-bong, Korea, Company "F" was subjected to a fanatical attack by a large hostile force. Noticing that one of his comrades had been seriously wounded, Sergeant OCASIO bravely went to his assistance and, completely oblivious of the heavy volume of fire sweeping the area, carried him to a place of safety. During the fierce firefight, Sergeant OCASIO moved from position to position, encouraging his men and directing their fire and movement, while returning to the command post to procure ammunition to replenish the rapidly diminishing supply, he was mortally wounded by fragments from an exploding shell. Sergeant OCASIO'S selfless gallantry reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

O'Donnell, Brendan P.

SILVER STAR
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to SECOND LIEUTENANT BRENDAN P. O'DONNELL, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for service as set forth in the following citation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 10 April 1951.  Assigned the mission of leading the company assault on a strongly defended enemy hill position to learn the enemy's disposition in the area and to capture prisoners, Second Lieutenant O'DONNELL skillfully maneuvered his platoon up the steep slope and effectively coordinated his advance with supporting arms, surprising the enemy and aiding his platoon in killing 27, wounding 35 and capturing 7 of the enemy.  Although exposed at all times to withering hostile automatic weapons fire from adjacent hills, he succeeded in organizing the defense of the position.  With his unit subjected to an intense mortar barrage, causing numerous casualties and destroying radio communications with his company commander, he led his remaining force forward in the assault on an adjacent ridge to relieve pressure on another element of the company which was pinned down by hostile fire.  Fearlessly exposing himself to a withering cross fire of enemy automatic weapons, he led his men in a furious assault on the ridge, routing the enemy and permitting the other friendly elements to advance.  By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative, Second Lieutenant O'DONNELL  contributed materially to the success of the company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Olivera, SFC Heriberto Medina

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 470 - 15 October 1951

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS HERIBERTO MEDINA OLIVERA, RA30452231, Infantry, Company "A", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 4 June 1951, Company "A" was assaulting its objective, Hill 466, near Unchon-ni, Korea, when the Third Platoon became pinned down by the severe fire of an enemy automatic weapons position. Sergeant MEDINA OLIVERA, a squad leader in this platoon, instructed his squad to cover him and, without being ordered to do so, aggressively crawled forward through the open ground which the hostile machine gun was spraying with lethal fire. Immediately sighted by the enemy gun crew as he approached their position, Sergeant MEDINA OLIVERA faced the full fury of their weapon's firepower, but quickly moving into a small depression, affording scant cover, he continued to advance. When he was in range, Sergeant MEDINA OLIVERA threw hand grenades into the emplacement, destroying it and killing three of the occupants. With the weapon silenced, he signaled for his platoon to move forward and press its attack, finally securing the objective. Sergeant MEDINA OLIVERA'S outstanding gallantry and courageous determination reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.  Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Olivio, Francisco Acevedo

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 139 - 9 April 1952

Private First Class FRANCISCO ACEVEDO OLIVO, US50107130, Infantry Company "B", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 28-29 January 1952, a reconnaissance patrol from Company "B" was ambushed and the forward elements of the patrol were surrounded and taken as prisoners. As a guard brought some rice into the barbed-wire enclosure where they had been placed, Private ACEVEDO OLIVO, a member of the patrol, took him by complete surprise by tearing the container from his hand, striking him in the face with it and running from the cage. While fleeing from the foe, Private ACEVEDO OLIVO was seriously wounded in the arm and leg, making it impossible for him to walk. With unflinching courage and an indomitable resolution to escape from the hands of the enemy, he crawled over four miles of snow-covered terrain and crossed a wide, icy river to return to friendly lines. His unwavering determination to return to his unit provided immense intelligence information about the enemy that could not otherwise have been obtained. Private ACEVEDO OLIVO'S gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Puerto Rico.

Olmeda, M/Sgt. Hipolito

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 176 - 9 June 1953

Master Sergeant (then Sergeant First Class) HIPOLITO OLMEDA, RA30410478, Infantry, Company "A", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 22 February 1953, in the vicinity of Chonyong-Ni, Korea, Sergeant OLMEDA a member of Company "A", advanced to the second platoon's listening post for the purpose of investigating his sentinels' report of suspected enemy movement. At the position, he detected and reported to the platoon leader signs of an enemy force proceeding in their direction. Disregarding his personal safety, he remained alone at the listening post, covering the return of the men from the post to the main line of resistance. After he was assured of the men's safety, he began moving back to friendly lines. While en route, he noted that the enemy was rapidly closing for the attack. Realizing they must be delayed to allow time for friendly forces to prepare for the defense, he opened fire, causing the enemy troops to deploy and expose their firing positions. This action brought intense hostile fire on Sergeant OLMEDA, but he remained in the exposed position and continued firing until ordered back into the friendly trenches. Sergeant OLMEDA'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Puerto Rico.

Olsen, Hans G. (1st citation)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 229 - 6 July 1953

Second Lieutenant HANS G. Olsen, 01925827, Infantry, Company "E", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the afternoon of 9 June 1953, Lieutenant OLSEN was patrol leader of an assault element which engaged in a firefight with the enemy on Hill "412" in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. When his patrol entered the trenches of the enemy stronghold, he deployed his men with maximum effective results. During the course of action, he destroyed an enemy bunker together with enemy personnel by moving directly to its aperture and hurling grenades into it. When the enemy attempted to by pass the exposed flank of the element, he effectively fired his weapon and mortally wounded the foe. When the patrol's ammunition was nearly expended, he ordered a return to friendly lines. As a result of his actions, the mission was successfully completed and numerous casualties were inflicted upon the enemy force. Lieutenant OLSEN'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Minnesota.

Olsen, Hans G. (2nd Citation)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 338 - 15 August 1953

Second Lieutenant HANS G. Olsen, 01925827, Infantry, Company "E", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 14 June 1953, Company "E" made a raid on Hill "412" in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Lieutenant OLSEN was platoon leader of the support element as the company made their way through the heavy enemy artillery towards their objective. When the support element reached its position, he directed a base of fire on the hill despite heavy enemy shelling concentrated on his area. Although wounded by the enemy fire, he remained in place, directing protective fire. After three assaults on the enemy outpost, the company was ordered to return to friendly lines. After returning to the main line of resistance, Lieutenant OLSEN discovered several men were still missing. He immediately organized a patrol to search the battle area for the missing men. Under extremely dangerous conditions, he searched the entire area and evacuated several wounded men. Only after assured that no one remained on the hill did he allow himself to be given first aid for his wounds. Lieutenant OLSEN'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Minnesota.

Olson, George H. (posthumously)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS, 24TH DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 212 - 30 October 1950

Private First Class George H. Olson, RA17246069, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, is (posthumously) awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy near Yongsan, Korea, on 4 September 1950.  The motorized patrol of which he was a member was ambushed by an enemy force and pinned down by intense mortar and automatic weapons fire.  With complete disregard for his own safety he exposed himself to the withering fire and poured such a volume of accurate fire into the enemy that the remainder of the patrol was able to extricate itself from its untenable position.  He continued firing until his ammunition was exhausted.  When the enemy subsequently overran his position, Private Olson was killed.  His courageous actions reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.  Entered military service from Bigfork, Minnesota.

O'Neal, George Alton Jr.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 214 - 22 June 1951

MAJOR GEORGE A. O'NEAL, JR., 0439797, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 26 April 1951, in the vicinity of Ilbisang-ni, Korea, the 2d Battalion and attached units were attacked by an enemy force of approximately two regiments. The barrage of small arms fire, hand grenades, and mortar shells falling in the area indicated that the enemy was preparing to close in for what they intended to be a final assault. Major O'NEAL, realizing the need for an immediate counter attack, organized several squads from the battalion command post personnel and personally led them in their thrust against the hostile force. This action coupled with his relocation of the machine gun positions to more effective fields of fire turned the tide of battle, causing the enemy to retreat in confusion. Major O'NEAL'S contributions to his units defense were given under the most hazardous conditions and at great risk to his own safety. The outstanding leadership and gallant courage displayed by Major O'NEAL reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from the State of Georgia.

O'Rourke, Paul J.

Sergeant (then Corporal) Paul J. O'Rourke, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroic achievement near Pungaa, North Korea, on 2 November 1950.  On that date Sergeant O'Rourke and his 60mm mortar squad were in support of their company which was then engaged in a heavy fire fight with the enemy.  As the battle progressed, Sergeant O'Rourke was ordered to move his mortars to an advanced position in order to obtain a more effective field of fire.  While moving forward in advance of his squad to select his mortar position, he encountered a group of the enemy who had infiltrated to the rear of his company.  Sergeant O'Rourke immediately moved his squad into position and directed fire upon the enemy.  After killing and wounding several of the enemy, he was successful in forcing them to withdraw.  This quick action in attacking the infiltrating enemy saved his company from an attack from the rear which, had it been successful, would have been a complete surprise to his company and would have undoubtedly resulted in the death of many of his comrades.  His action on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.  Entered Federal service from Ohio.

Ortiz, 1st Lt. Jose N.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 161 - 27 April 1952

FIRST LIEUTENANT JOSE N. ORTIZ, 0946705, Infantry, Company "M", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 2 October 1951, the 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, was engaged in a vicious attack against strong enemy positions near Chorwon, Korea. Three well-entrenched hostile positions were delivering an intense barrage of automatic -weapons fire on the friendly force, seriously threatening its further advance. Realizing the necessity for silencing these enemy positions, Lieutenant ORTIZ, a platoon leader in Company "M", immediately set up his 75 millimeter recoilless rifle section in an exposed position in order to get a good field of observation and fire. Despite the devastating artillery and mortar fire that was directed at his position, he undauntedly continued firing until two of the hostile positions were destroyed and his ammunition supply was expended. He then fearlessly crossed 200 yards of open, fire swept terrain and assumed command of Company "K" S 57 millimeter rifle section. From this position he continued his destructive fire until the third enemy position was neutralized. Lieutenant ORTIZ' exemplary leadership and gallantry were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of his unit's mission and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Puerto Rico.

Ortiz-Perez, M/Sgt. Domingo

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 147 - 17 May 1951

MASTER SERGEANT DOMINGO ORTIZ PEREZ, RA6674712, Infantry, Company "M", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 16 December 1950, the enemy launched a fierce attack and penetrated positions held by Company "M" and Company "I" of the 65th Infantry. Small groups of the enemy infiltrated in and around the nearby village of Sanghung, Korea, and four enemy soldiers managed to reach a flanking position from which they directed deadly small arms and automatic weapons fire upon the men of Company "M" who had been assigned the task of clearing the village and retaking lost positions. Realizing that the situation called for immediate action, Sergeant ORTIZ PEREZ voluntarily and single-handedly attacked the aggressors, forcing them to take cover inside a house from which they returned his fire. He cautiously made his way to the building, threw a grenade inside of it, and a few minutes later called for the occupants to surrender. When the enemy gave no indication of surrendering, Sergeant ORTIZ PEREZ assaulted the house, managed to kill three enemy soldiers in close combat, and captured the fourth. This action, executed by Sergeant ORTIZ PEREZ at great danger to his own life, materially contributed to the ultimate success of the mission. Sergeant ORTIZ PEREZ'S gallantry and faithful devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

O'Toole, Thomas J.

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 303 - 31 July 1953

Private THOMAS J. O'TOOLE, US23735206, Infantry, Company "B", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 8 July 1953, Private O'TOOLE was a member of a five man listening post which had taken up a position on contested ground forward of the main line of resistance in the vicinity of Chungmoksil, Korea. As midnight approached, an enemy force of platoon size launched an attack in which they employed automatic weapons and numerous grenades. Private O'Toole, responding at once, mortally wounded three of the enemy in the initial burst of fire and continued to lay heavy and effective fire on the oncoming enemy until his weapon was blown from his hands by the force of an exploding grenade. Private O'TOOLE then moved to a position where one of his comrades had fallen and took up his weapon. Alternately hurling grenades and leveling effective fire on the enemy, he continued in the intense fire fight until the enemy was routed and withdrew in disorder. Private O'TOOLE'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Pennsylvania.

Oyola, German (KIA)

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 436 - 29 September 1951

SERGEANT GERMAN OYOLA, RA10404296, Infantry, Company "D", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 26 April 1951, near Chuygo, Korea, Sergeant OYOLA'S machine gun section was attached to and providing fire support for the attacking elements of Company "A" when a fanatical enemy counterattack necessitated a withdrawal to more tenable positions. Sergeant OYOLA, placing his section in the new location, received notification that two of his men had been wounded and were in the area recently vacated. Immediately he advanced into the face of heavy hostile fire. Upon returning with one of the stricken soldiers, he courageously re-entered the fire-swept area and carried  the other man to safety. The gallant and selfless concern for his comrades displayed by Sergeant OYOLA reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.