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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Victor Fernandez Diaz (ASN: 0-1341081), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Diaz distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chaechi-hyon, Korea, on 3 June 1951. On that date, Company C was assigned the mission of attacking and securing hill positions from a well-entrenched hostile force. As the men proceeded toward their objective, they were subjected to a devastating crossfire from hidden enemy machine-gun emplacements which effectively pinned them down. Immediately rushing to the front of the company through the heavy volume of fire, Captain Diaz urged his men forward, setting an example by rushing at the nearest hostile machine-gun emplacement and killing its three occupants with his pistol. Inspired by his courageous actions, the men renewed their assault and routed the enemy from the hill after a bitter struggle. Skillfully deploying his men in defensive positions, Captain Diaz encouraged them and directed their fire as the enemy launched a fierce counterattack. After being repulsed with numerous casualties, the hostile force regrouped and, preceded by a mortar barrage, attacked again. With their ammunition running low, the friendly troops received an order to fall back to more formidable positions. Although painfully wounded by an exploding mortar shell, Captain Diaz remained in his position, covering the withdrawal of his men by firing his carbine at the on-rushing enemy. Not until he was the only man left on the hill and the enemy threatened to encircle his position did he withdraw. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Diaz on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.