SERGEANT FIRST CLASS BENITO MONTEZ, JR. (then Private) Infantry, United States Army. Private Montez, a member of an infantry company, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Unjang-Ni, Korea. On 16 April 1953, 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.

Mr. Montez resides in Texas.