The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Herbert Martinez (ASN: RA-38705224), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kunmul-gol, Korea. Sergeant Martinez’s platoon was overrun by a numerically superior enemy force and the platoon leader was killed. Sergeant Martinez immediately took charge of the reduced and confused platoon, as well as a part of another friendly company, and organized them into an efficient fighting team, exposing himself deliberately to intense enemy fire while directing their operation. He was an inspiration to the men following him because of his cool and courageous attitude. Through his actions, maximum casualties were inflicted upon the enemy, while friendly casualties were held to a minimum. The gallantry and outstanding devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Martinez reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.