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 Lalo Sandoval Maldanado (Maldonado) (ASN: US-56062140), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandaeu-san, Korea. On that date the platoon, of which Private Maldanado was a member, had infiltrated the enemy lines and was immediately encircled and attacked by a numerically superior hostile force. Private Maldanado’s position in the defensive perimeter was vitally important as it was the natural avenue of approach and the hostile forces were making their strongest assault upon this position. Although in danger of being overrun and cut off from the remainder of the platoon, Private Maldanado remained in his position and fought off the fanatical enemy onslaught, inflicting numerous enemy casualties. He continued in this fearless manner until an enemy grenade, thrown into his position, fatally wounded him. His self-sacrificing devotion to duty and courage aided immeasurably to the success of his unit in maintaining its newly won position. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Maldanado reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.