The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Camerino Perea (ASN: RA-37710263), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 31 March 1951, near Tongauchon-ni, Korea, the first platoon of Company A, 1st Battalion, while attacking well-defended enemy positions on Hill 526, was pinned down by intense machine gun and small arms fire. Private Perea, accompanying a mortar forward observation team as a radio operator, experienced considerable difficulty in hearing the forward observer’s firing instructions because of the noise of firing. He voluntarily crawled forward twenty five yards under intense hostile fire and placed himself in an exposed area on the forward observer’s left flank. When not relaying vital fire direction messages, he courageously exchanged small arms fire with the enemy and, while thus engaged, was mortally wounded. By choosing to remain in an exposed position under direct enemy fire, Private Perea was instrumental in effecting the destruction of five enemy machine guns and saving the lives of many of his comrades. The exceptional gallantry, courage, and devotion to duty displayed by Private Perea reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.