The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Salomon Valdez, Jr. (ASN: US-55033143), United States Army, for gallantry in action near Kumsong, Korea on 1 February, 1952, while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Private Valdez’s platoon was preparing an ambush patrol area when attacked by approximately fifty enemy soldiers. One element of the attackers began advancing up the draw that was covered by Private Valdez’s machine gun bringing him under direct fire. Private Valdez continued firing upon the enemy; dispersing them, thus allowing friendly forces time enough to withdraw to a more compact perimeter of defense. Though Private Valdez was fully aware that the enemy knew his exact position, he continued firing his machine gun until evacuation of the friendly wounded was complete. Only when sure that his platoon had established new positions, did Private Valdez withdraw; but in doing so Private Valdez was shot in the back by an enemy waiting in ambush. Private Valdez’s supreme sacrifice was directly responsible for the removal of wounded and for the safety of the rest of his unit, thereby reflecting credit on himself, the 40th Infantry Division and the Army of the United States.