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 Albert M. Mendez (ASN: US-56058558), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, near Chungse-re, Korea, Company C attacked a well-fortified enemy entrench on Hill 281. During the action Sergeant Mendez, seeing that the gunner and assistant gunner of a friendly machine-gun were wounded and evacuated, left his covered position to operate the unmanned weapon, and immediately received fire from an enemy bunker on his right. As he was firing on the bunker another hostile position fired on him inflicting a wound in his right hand; refusing medical aid or to withdraw, he switched his fire to the new menace, manipulating the weapon with his left hand, forcing the crew to withdraw. At this time he received fire from an adjacent foe, wounding him twice in the right arm, but he again refused medical aid, and continued to fire until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. Only then did he allow the platoon medic to treat and evacuate him. Sergeant Mendez’ gallantry and aggressive performance reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.