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 First Class Raymond L. Alvarez (ASN: RA-15273064), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 19 May 1951, in the vicinity of Hangye, Korea. On that date his unit occupied Hill 379, a vital sector in the battalion perimeter. During the previous night the enemy launched a savage attack on the defenders’ position, forcing them to withdraw. On 19 May 1951, Sergeant Alvarez, acting as platoon leader, was ordered to retake the ground lost to the enemy. As his unit mounted its attack, it encountered intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. Some of the men hesitated, in the face of the murderous fire, and Sergeant Alvarez immediately rushed forward to rally his men. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he arose in front of the enemy, firing his carbine, throwing grenades, and shouting words of encouragement to his men. Because of this inspiring display of courage, the men rose to the occasion, and stormed the enemy position, retaking the vital high ground and dispersing the enemy. The gallant leadership of Sergeant Alvarez reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.