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 Corporal Celestino Chavez (ASN: RA-18255711), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Battery D, 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 7th Infantry Division, in action near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, on 30 November 1950. On this date, Corporal Chavez’s M-19 twin 40-mm. gun carriage was defending a portion of the perimeter when the enemy began a “banzai” charge against the position shortly before 0300 hours. Corporal Chavez was struck and seriously wounded during this attack, but he refused to be evacuated to the aid station because there was no other man available to replace him. He stayed at his post voluntarily and despite his wound kept the weapon firing. When the enemy attack had been broken up by accurate and intense fire of the M-19, Corporal Chavez, weakened by loss of blood, collapsed unconscious and fell from the M-19 to the ground. He was given medical attention and evacuated to the Aid Station. As a result of his heroic actions the M-19 was kept in action, the “banzai” charge was broken up, and the perimeter was kept intact at that point. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Chavez on this occasion was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.