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 Tony Gonzales (ASN: RA-19338536), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Battery B, 82d Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 2d Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea, on 1 September 1950. On that date, Corporal Gonzales was a driver of an armored personnel carrier which was attached to a rifle company and assigned the mission of evacuating wounded men. He drove his vehicle two miles through enemy-held territory to the collecting station and safely delivered the wounded. He then tried to return to his unit but en route his vehicle was hit so repeatedly by enemy anti-tank fire and grenades that the vehicle was set afire. Despite the danger from the flames, he continued to drive until the vehicle could go no further. Despite heavy enemy small-arms fire, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Gonzales attempted to remove from the blazing vehicle critical equipment and radio parts. After killing 14 of the enemy with his .50 caliber machine gun, he led his crew to safety. The gallantry and high devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Gonzales on this occasion were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.