The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joe B. Hernandez (ASN: RA-19323039), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 September 1951 in the vicinity of Kach’il-bong, Korea. On that date the platoon of which Sergeant Hernandez was a member had infiltrated the enemy lines and was encircled by the enemy. The numerically superior enemy force immediately launched a fanatic attack upon the platoon’s position. During this action, Sergeant Hernandez noticed that a comrade had been wounded and that his position was in danger of being overrun by the enemy. He immediately stripped himself of all weapons and gear and advanced through the intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire to the side of his comrade, and carried him to the safety of a medical aid station. Recovering his gear, he returned to his unit and assisted in repulsing the hostile attack. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Hernandez on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.