Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Rafael
Leon-Gonzalez

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 18, 1951
    Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 460 (October 26, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Rafael Leon-Gonzalez (ASN: 0-1685766), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 18 September 1951, in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, elements of Company I were in combat near objective “Scare”. Disregarding the heavy enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire striking the area, Lieutenant Leon-Gonzalez aggressively led his platoon in the engagement until the unit was ordered to move to another area. In the ensuing action a friendly soldier was seriously wounded and fell on the terrain under fire. Lieutenant Leon-Gonzalez courageously ran 300 yards across the shell torn area to the man and then rapidly removed him to a position of relative safety where aid could be administered. Lieutenant Leon-Gonzalez’ outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 28, 1951
    Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 460 (October 26, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Rafael Leon-Gonzalez (ASN: 0-1685766), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 28 September 1951, in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, elements of Company I were assaulting a strategically valuable enemy-held hill. Although subjected to an intense enemy artillery mortar and small arms barrage, Lieutenant Leon-Gonzalez courageously guided his platoon up the slope, rapidly firing his automatic weapon. Moving to within 20 yards of the well-entrenched defenders, he aggressively led his group into the forward positions and bunkers, constantly giving clear instructions to the men. He then gave accurate, effective covering fire for a flame throwing operation and bravely directed a final drive over the crest of the hill, forcing the enemy from the objective. Lieutenant Leon-Gonzalez’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.