The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Benito Montez, Jr. (ASN: RA-18380162), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Private Montez distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Unjang-Ni, Korea, on 16 April 1953. On that date, Private Montez was an automatic rifleman in the support element of a reconnaissance patrol which was attacked by hostile forces. In the initial phase of the fire fight which ensued, Private Montez observed an enemy soldier penetrate the support positions and disposed of him before he could cause any harm. Private Montez then arose from his covered position and, disregarding all thoughts of personal safety, ran forward to where the reconnaissance force had been ambushed. At the scene, he found an officer and several men suffering from wounds. Though he was ordered to return to the line, Private Montez took up an exposed position to protect the casualties and remained with them until dawn when they were evacuated. At one time during the night, Private Montez single-handedly threw back a hostile assault force by firing his automatic rifle and accurately hurling hand grenades into the ranks of the charging foe. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Private Montez on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.