The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant] Ricardo Cardenas (ASN: 0-2263245), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 5 February 1951, near Chang-Pyong-Dong, Korea, Lieutenant Cardenas’ platoon, designated the assault platoon in a company attack with the mission of seizing Hill 330, was pinned down during the early phases of the attack by intense enemy mortar barrages and machine gun fire. Although wounded by mortar fire and having two men killed and two wounded in his own squad, Lieutenant Cardenas rallied to the attack. Cognizant of the fact that his unit’s position was rapidly becoming untenable and that to remain in it would court disaster, he gave the order to fix bayonets and fearlessly led a charge into the enemy, disorganizing and routing him from the hill. Lieutenant Cardenas’ gallantry, aggressive leadership, and unwavering determination reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class]Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
7th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 1, 1951
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 422 (September 15, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class] Ricardo Cardenas (ASN: 0-2263245), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 1 February 1951, near Sang-song-ni, Korea, during the withdrawal of an adjacent unit, Lieutenant Cardenas observed a soldier felled by the fierce enemy fire. Unhesitatingly leaving the security of his dug-in position, he courageously dashed through the withering hostile fire to the side of the wounded soldier and, after administering first aid, carried the man to safety. Lieutenant Cardenas’ superb heroism and genuine concern for the welfare of the stricken soldier reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
7th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 13, 1953
Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 1000 (November 10, 1953)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 Captain (Infantry) Ricardo Cardenas, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Captain Cardenas distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea, on the morning of 13 June 1953. On that date, Captain Cardenas’ company was defending positions along the United Nations main line of resistance. When the enemy threatened to rout a Republic of Korea Army unit in an adjacent area, Captain Cardenas voluntarily proceeded to the sector, reorganized a portion of the troops, and personally led a counter-attack which regained over four hundred yards of territory. The following evening, the enemy subjected Captain Cardenas’ company to an intense artillery barrage and destroyed all communications. Noticing that the enemy forces were approaching the right flank of the company, Captain Cardenas fearlessly left the comparative safety of the command post to alert his men. Completely disregarding his personal safety, he moved through the heavy fire to an open trench and, after three futile attempts, succeeded in firing a warning flare. Continuing to brave the bombardment, Captain Cardenas then directed the defense of the position and personally killed two of the enemy. Although wounded, he refused to be evacuated until the area was secured. The courage, indomitable fortitude, and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Cardenas reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.