The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ivan J. Perez-Sosa (MCSN: 1287264), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 July 1953. With his bunker destroyed by a devastating enemy mortar and artillery barrage which preceded a vicious assault by a numerically superior hostile force against a friendly outpost far forward of the main line of resistance, Private First Class Perez-Sosa moved his machine gun to an exposed position in the trench line and continued to deliver murderous fire upon the hostile troops. When his squad leader became a casualty, he immediately took charge of the squad and moved through the trench line, shouting words of encouragement to his men. Throughout the night, he remained at his position in the face of the heavy barrage and delivered accurate fire upon the enemy which contributed greatly to the successful defense of the vital outpost position. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Perez-Sosa served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.