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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Frank Ramirez (ASN: US-56147662), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 24 September 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On this date Corporal Ramirez, an aidman, was attached to a friendly unit during its assault against the well fortified enemy positions on Hill 931. During the ensuing action, Corporal Ramirez observed a wounded comrade lying helpless in a forward position under intense hostile fire. Without hesitating, he left his covered emplacement and proceeded over the fire-swept area to the wounded man. In the course of this act, he was painfully wounded but, completely ignoring his own safety, tenaciously continued on. Upon reaching his destination, Corporal Ramirez immediately administered first aid to his comrade and, after placing him in a defilade position, fearlessly crossed the hazardous terrain to secure a litter team for the evacuation of his comrade. Corporal Ramirez’s example of individual bravery instilled confidence and security among the friendly soldiers and aided immeasurably to the success of their operation on Heartbreak Ridge. The gallantry in action and selfless devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Ramirez will live forever in the hearts of his comrades.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Private First Class]

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 14, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 220 (May 3, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Frank Ramirez (ASN: US-56147662), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 14 September 1951 in the vicinity of Tal-Lyong, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Ramirez, a medical aid man was with a unit moving out on a patrol mission when the enemy launched a heavy concentration of mortar and artillery fire upon it. The immediate terrain afforded little cover for the friendly elements and thus they suffered several casualties. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Ramirez moved about in the heavy hostile fire attending the wounded and assisting in their evacuation. In the course of this action, Sergeant Ramirez observed a fallen comrade who was seriously wounded and bleeding badly. Without hesitating, Sergeant Ramirez moved to his side and after applying a tourniquet to the wounds, lifted his comrade in his arms and displayed a calm and confident attitude, walked through the exploding missiles to an aid station. As a result of Sergeant Ramirez’s courageous conduct during this disastrous period he saved many of his comrades lives who otherwise might have died of their wounds on the field of battle. Sergeant Ramirez’s performance of duty will live forever in the hearts of his comrades.