Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 148 (April 15, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Raymond A. Lopez (ASN: US-28229714), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, Company C was engaged in an assault on heavily fortified hostile positions on Hill 281, near Chungse-Re, Korea. As the lead elements advanced toward their objective, they were subjected to an intense hail of enemy fire, effectively pinning them down. The covering squad immediately began delivering such a heavy volume of bullets at the foe that the hostile weapons were temporarily silenced, enabling the friendly forces to withdraw, regroup, and prepare for another assault. Although wounded in the initial phase of the attack, Private Lopez, a rifleman in the covering squad, repeatedly refused to move to the rear for medical treatment, choosing instead to remain in position and continue in the attack. When the order was given for the second assault on the objective, Private Lopez, disregarding the intense pain from his previous injury, voluntarily moved ahead of his squad through the withering hail of enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire. Firing his weapon at a rapid rate, he advanced toward his objective, leaving a path of destruction behind him. Upon reaching the summit of the hill, he signaled the squad to advance and prepare defenses for a possible counterattack. His daring actions and audacious determination was an inspiration to his fellow-soldiers and was a major factor in the successful accomplishment of the unit’s mission. Private Lopez’ gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.