The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Rafael Rodriguez-Gonzalez (MCSN: 1240178), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 19 – 20 March 1953. When an outpost forward of the main line of resistance was attacked by a large enemy force, Private First Class Rodriguez-Gonzalez courageously manned a fighting position and succeeded in delivering accurate and killing fire upon the attackers, although he was knocked to the ground on several occasions by the concussion of hostile grenades and mortar rounds. Learning that communications between the outpost and the machine gun positions had been destroyed by the intense hostile fire, he moved through open trenches in the face of enemy mortar fire to re-lay wire to the machine gun emplacements. After re-establishing the vital communications, Private First Class Rodriguez-Gonzalez moved to a critical area where the enemy had directed heavy fire and, through his savage and fierce fighting, prevented the enemy from gaining access to the trench and outpost. His inspiring leadership, indomitable courage and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.