Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 24, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 454 (October 11, 1951)

    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 Florentino Candelario Bacarro (ASN: US-50000221), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the hours of darkness on the morning of 24 June 1951, the enemy launched a fanatical counterattack upon B Company’s positions on Hill 717, near Sobangsan, Korea. Private Bacarro, an automatic rifleman whose area was under a continuous hostile barrage, repeatedly left his position of cover, baring himself to the perilous hostile fusillade in order to bring more fire upon the enemy’s automatic weapons which were impeding the defense of the hill. He remained resolutely in place dauntlessly firing his weapon until, due to malfunction, it ceased operation as an automatic. When the enemy was a few yards in front of him and it was apparent that his position was going to be overrun he began firing his rifle single shot, momentarily holding the assault in check until mortally wounded by a bursting grenade. Private Bacarro’s audacious gallantry and determined actions reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.