The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Prudencio E. Rumbaoa (ASN: RA-29044898), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Corporal Rumbaoa distinguished himself by courageous action near Chaechi-hyon, Korea on 3 June 1951. His company was attacking with the mission of securing a very high and steep-aided hill from an estimated reinforced enemy company, stubbornly defending the hill from well-prepared, sandbagged and camouflaged positions. The enemy had a preponderance of automatic weapons strategically placed on the forward slope which made it necessary for the attacking platoons to work in and destroy them from very close range. As the company advanced up the slope, the lead platoon was pinned down by one of these automatic weapon positions. Corporal Rumbaoa, a rifleman, refused to take cover and continued to advance through the intense enemy fire. Firing his rifle as he attacked, he succeeded in killing the gunner, momentarily silencing the position. Running the next 20 yards with complete disregard for his personal safety, he jumped into the enemy hole. With slashing bayonet and crushing rifle butt smashes, he overpowered and killed the 3 remaining enemy and signaled his company to advance. From this forward and exposed position, he delivered accurate and devastating covering fire for the advancing company as he killed 4 grenadiers who attempted to slow the advance from high ground overlooking the company. Throughout the entire action, he killed 8 enemy and allowed his company to advance and secure the objective. Corporal Rumbaoa’s courageous action and deep devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.