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 Alfonso Gonzales (ASN: ER-54051299), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 March 1951 in the vicinity of Sesackkol, Korea. Private Gonzales was a member of a platoon which was attacking an enemy-held hill. While advancing toward the objective the platoon was halted by intense enemy machine gun fire. Private Gonzales immediately exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to engage the enemy with his automatic rifle. When the platoon was halted by the machine gun fire a second time, Private Gonzales again charged the enemy position. So effective was his fire that the platoon was able to advance and destroy the strong enemy emplacement. Private Gonzales was killed during this encounter but had contributed materially to the success of the platoon’s mission. The gallant conduct displayed by Private Gonzales reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.