The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Pacifico Mabanag (ASN: US-50000520), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 June 1951, in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On that day Company A was attacking a strong enemy force on Hill 451. Private Mabanag was a rifleman in the Third Platoon which encountered a sudden enemy counterattack as they reached the top of the hill. When his squad was assigned a sector of fire, Private Mabanag moved forward with complete disregard for personal safety and the intense enemy fire. The sight of one soldier aggressively advancing toward them momentarily disconcerted the enemy. Alternately firing his rifle and throwing grenades he continued his advance, inflicting many casualties on the stunned enemy. His actions gave the other members of his squad the opportunity to get into defensive positions from which they were able to halt the fanatical enemy. As he intrepidly engaged the numerically superior enemy he was struck by hostile fire and was mortally wounded. The high devotion to duty and inspiring example of courage displayed by Private Mabanag reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.