The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Angelo DeFonde, Jr. (ASN: RA-14222132), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sesim-ni, Korea, on 3 February 1951. Corporal DeFonde’s battalion had advanced some 2,000 yards beyond the amin line of resistance, out flanked enemy positions, and posed a great threat to enemy forces in the area. Due to the speed of the advance and the extension of the lines of communication, substantial numbers of enemy forces were in position and grouping between friendly forces and the positions of the battalion. Fully realizing the hazards of crossing the enemy infested terrain, which was already cracking with sporadic small arms fire, Corporal DeFonde, without hesitation, and with utter disregard for safety volunteered to lead this wire team to the battalion which was highly dependent upon communications, not only to accomplish its mission, but for survival. Speedily working his way forward he succeeded in advancing to within 20 yards of the forward command group. Here he came face to face with an enemy infantryman who raised his rifle to fire. Corporal DeFonde gave the alarm and grasping his adversary’s weapon by the barrel hurled the man over a cliff to his doom. During the ensuing engagement many of the enemy group were skilled and Corporal DeFonde made his way to friendly forces to inform them of the situation. As a result of his swift appraisal of the situation the enemy plan of encirclement was thwart ed and the battalion was enabled to inflict hundreds of casualties upon the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal DeFonde, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.