The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Melquiades Gavillan (ASN: 0-974369), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 11 – 12 December 1951, elements of Company E were assigned the mission of attacking Hill 168 near Toyon-ni, Korea, and securing prisoners. The objective of the Third Platoon, led by Lieutenant Gavillan, was a prominent point on the hill, which was firmly defended by a well-entrenched and heavily armed enemy force. Advancing through the continuous hail of hostile fire the platoon was pinned down approximately 50 yards from their objective by an intense volley of automatic weapons, small-arms and grenade fire. Realizing a flank attack was the only solution, Lieutenant Gavillan moved about the embattled terrain, shouting words of encouragement to the men and leading them in a new flank assault. Before reaching the objective he observed one of his men lying seriously wounded near an enemy bunker and in danger of being further wounded. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Gavillan fearlessly exposed himself to the lethal spray of enemy bullets to go to the side of his wounded comrade and, though receiving a bullet and shrapnel wound in his leg, he disregarded the intense pain and carried the wounded man to a place of comparative safety. Refusing medical attention, he remained with his men and vigorously pressed the assault until the enemy was forced to pull back to secondary positions. Lieutenant Gavillan’s gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.