The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Corporal] Lucio Ramirez, Jr. (ASN: RA-16334974), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Chingyachon, Korea, on 27 May 1951. His company had the mission of defending positions located on Hill 800, an extremely steep and rugged commanding terrain feature. In the hours of darkness, an estimated reinforced company of enemy troops attacked the friendly positions, concentrating the main assault on the Second Platoon. In the terrific fire fight which followed, a machine gunner was wounded and the platoon was ordered to withdraw to more tenable positions. As the riflemen started to move out, Sergeant Ramirez, with complete disregard for his own safety and seemingly oblivious to the devastating bands of interlocking enemy fire, raced to the abandoned machine gun emplacement and opened fire on the enemy at point blank range, killing and wounding many and causing confusion in their ranks. His comrades, inspired by his fearless aggressiveness, returned to their former positions and forced the enemy hordes to flee in wild disorder, inflicting very heavy casualties on them. Sergeant Ramirez was credited with killing an estimated 17 of the 67 enemy dead found later. Sergeant Ramirez’s courageous action, daring initiative and selfless performance of duty contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit’s defense and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.