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 Reynaldo E. Acosta (ASN: RA-19312002), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 24 September 1950 in the vicinity of Hyopchon, Korea. On that date his company was pursuing the retreating enemy after the breakthrough from the Pusan Perimeter. The two leading platoons were suddenly subjected to intense mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire directed at them from enemy forces well-entrenched along the route of advance. The radio operator with the platoon was killed in the initial burst of fire and was lying in a position completely exposed to the enemy fire. Corporal Acosta, with complete disregard for his personal safety, immediately left his cover under a bridge and dashed forward into the withering hostile fire raking the area. He dashed to the dead soldier’s side, retrieved the radio and, shielding it from a hail of enemy bullets with his own body, returned to his platoon leader. His heroic action made it possible for the pinned down platoons to reestablish communications with the company observation post, receive supporting fires and launch a counterattack which drove the enemy from their positions. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Corporal Acosta reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.