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 [then Private First Class] Rudolfo P. Herrera (ASN: US-56072978), 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 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandeau-san, Korea. On that date the platoon of which Corporal Herrera was a member had infiltrated the enemy lines and was immediately encircled and attacked by a numerically superior force. Corporal Herrera, an automatic rifleman, had the most strategic position in the platoon’s defense and was facing the brunt of the enemy assault. On numerous occasions his position was completely surrounded by the fanatical enemy, but in spite of the intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire, he tenaciously defended his position, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. By his intrepid actions friendly forces were able to withstand the hostile assaults until reinforcements arrived. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Herrera on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.