The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Trinidad M. Lopez (MCSN: 1115746), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 18 September 1950. Acting as flank security while his company advanced along the Inchon-Seoul highway, Private First Class Lopez discovered a well-concealed hostile machine gun position and, aiming his weapon at the enemy emplacement, attempted to fire. Unable to deliver more than one round due to mechanical difficulty, he threw his gun a the enemy and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat. By his quick initiative and bold action, he startled the hostile troops, preventing them from manning their weapon, and continued to engage them in personal combat until other members of his squad came to his aid. His indomitable fighting spirit, personal courage and staunch devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Lopez and the United States Naval Service.