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 Celso M. Araiza (ASN: US-56075373), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 September 1951 in the vicinity of State-ri, Korea. On this date Private Araiza was assigned to a friendly unit which was assaulting enemy-held positions on “Heartbreak Ridge”. During the ensuing action the unit was forced to withdraw to more advantageous positions due to a fierce counterattack by a numerically superior hostile force. Private Araiza, a machine gunner, voluntarily remained in his position to cover the withdrawal of his comrades. Steadily firing his weapon, he courageously exposed himself to the enemy fire and inflicted numerous casualties upon the hostile force. Though seriously wounded he remained in his position and employed a heavy concentration of protective fire and refused to be evacuated until his comrades had successfully completed their withdrawal. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Private Araiza on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.