The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Jose G. Dela-Garza (ASN: RA-38677383), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 8 June 1951, a squad, from one of C Company’s platoons, led by Sergeant Dela-Garza, was the point squad as the platoon cautiously advanced upon its objective, Hill 687, near Chorwon, Korea. The lead unit had approached to within 60 yards of the summit, when the enemy, who had given no previous sign of activity, suddenly opened fire with a well-employed heavy machine gun. Casualties were inflicted, among Sergeant Dela-Garza, who, although being wounded in the foot, refused medical aid and rising to a standing position, which left him completely revealed to the full fury of the enemy fire, fired one shot accurately into the hostile position, slaying the gunner. When a grenade burst near him, he wheeled around and firing at the enemy soldier who had thrown the missile, killed him before he could hurl another. Sergeant Dela-Garza, then continued to move about the area directing the squad and the platoon to where they could regroup and evacuate the wounded. Sergeant Dela-Garza’s unwavering courage and gallantry under fire reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.