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 First Class Alfred M. Velez (ASN: RA-39729168), United States Army, for gallantry in action while a member of Service Company, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Infantry), in action against the enemy near Kumi-Ni, Korea, on 2 August 1950. A composite platoon was organized of which Sergeant First Class Velez was a member and was assigned the mission of blocking a river bed down which the enemy was advancing. The platoon went into position and at the break of day were attacked by numerically superior enemy forces. Under heavy enemy fire the platoon’s position became untenable thus forcing a withdrawal. The route of withdrawal led through an exposed area of approximately fifty yards. Sergeant First Class Velez was covering the withdrawal with rifle fire and was one of the last to leave. As he passed through the exposed area he came upon a comrade whose legs were temporarily paralyzed from a head wound. With total disregard for personal safety and under direct small arms fire from the enemy, Sergeant First Class Velez picked up the wounded comrade and carried him to a position of safety. After administering first aid he carried the wounded man another 3,000 yards out to the road from which point he was evacuated. Sergeant First Class Velez’s heroic action reflects great credit upon himself and the traditions of the military service.