The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Fernando Martinez (ASN: RA-18353717), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Battery, 13th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 16 – 17 July 1950 north of Taejon on the Kum River, Korea. The Field Artillery Battalion had been overrun by enemy forces and had been forced to withdraw causing disorganization among the personnel. Private Martinez volunteered to remain behind with a small group of men from other unit of the battalion and get as many men as he could together and lead them to safety. With disregard for his own safety, Private Martinez, with the small group of men he had, knocked out two enemy road blocks with their carbines and hand grenades, which had been holding up their withdrawal. He was under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire during the time he was leading the group of men to safety. The gallant act displayed by Private Martinez reflects great credit on himself and the military service.