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 Corporal Ruiz Matos Da Fonseca (ASN: RA-12341244), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 23d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 13 September 1950 and 14 September 1950, in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On the night of 13 September 1950 his company was defending high ground against a fanatical attack launched by a numerically superior enemy force. The brunt of the enemy assault was directed at Corporal Da Fonseca’s platoon on the company’s left flank. The enemy, advancing in overwhelming strength, had penetrated the platoon’s position and were overrunning the forward elements. Orders were received to withdraw. Corporal Da Fonseca, manifesting complete indifference for his personal safety, remained at his machine gun in order to cover the withdrawal of his comrades. Disregarding the withering hostile fire sweeping the terrain, he intrepidly held his ground and poured devastating bursts of machine gun fire into the onrushing enemy. He continued to cover the withdrawal of the company until, early on 14 September 1950, he was killed by enemy fire. The next day, 130 enemy dead were counted to the front of the position, most of whom were within the field of fire of Corporal Da Fonseca’s machine gun. His selfless sacrifice enabled his unit to effect a withdrawal with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Da Fonseca reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.