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 First Class Alfonso F. Ponce (ASN: RA-19293025), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 April 1951, near Taejon-ni, Korea, as Private Ponce’s recoilless rifle squad was occupying a defensive position, Company E was attacked by a numerically superior enemy. During the battle, when it was suddenly evident that the ammunition supply was almost exhausted, Private Ponce fearlessly crossed three hundred yards of bullet-swept terrain to secure a re-supply. Upon arriving at the supply point and learning that the company had withdrawn into a tighter perimeter, he returned over the open terrain and informed his comrades of the company’s withdrawal. Remaining behind and braving the enemy fire in order to cover the displacement of his squad, Private Ponce fired the recoilless rifle until the enemy was nearly upon him and then repulsed the furious hostile assault by hurling hand grenades. He continued to hold his position until the other members of the squad had safely withdrawn. The gallantry, courage and devotion to duty displayed by Private Ponce reflects great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.