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 Joseph Gomez (ASN: ER-16242043), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951, in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. During a counterattack launched by his company on that date, Private Gomez, with complete disregard for his own safety assaulted enemy positions in the face of point-blank small arms and automatic weapons fire. In a final assault under intense enemy fire he fiercely charged the enemy with fixed bayonet, repulsing him with heavy losses and clearing the position. The gallantry displayed by Private Gomez reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.