The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Aurelio C. Sanchez (MCSN: 617547), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 May 1951. When his squad was subjected to withering hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire from well-fortified emplacements during the attack against an enemy hill position, Sergeant Sanchez, braving the intense hostile fire, led his men forward in a frontal assault of the bunkers. Although literally blown from his feet by an enemy grenade, he immediately arose and moved forward up to the crest of the hill, where he personally neutralized two hostile bunkers in hand-to-hand combat and with hand grenades. Quickly reorganizing his squad, he skillfully led his men through heavy fire in pursuit of the fleeing enemy until ordered to consolidate the ground, whereupon he established a base of fire to assist the advance of other friendly elements. By his outstanding courage, aggressive leadership and gallant devotion to duty, Sergeant Sanchez contributed materially to the success of his company and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.