Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal [then Private First Class]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 29, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 613 (October 19, 1951)

    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 [then Private First Class] Ignacio Zaragoza (ASN: RA-19371660), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date Corporal Zaragoza, a member of the heavy weapons platoon, was assigned to provide supporting fire for the attacking riflemen in an assault upon enemy-held positions. During the attack, Corporal Zaragoza, disregarding his personal safety, placed his 57-mm. recoilless rifle in an exposed position and personally destroyed several enemy bunkers and machine guns. Later, when the platoon was halted by continuous enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire, Corporal Zaragoza, under intense enemy fire, cleared the way for the advancing platoon by point blank fire with his weapon, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. His heroic actions enabled the unit to advance and secure its objective with a minimum of friendly casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Zaragoza on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.