On November 30, 1950, during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, Corporal Celestino Chavez Jr. was manning an M-19 twin 40mm gun with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea.
When Chinese forces launched a fierce assault in the early morning hours, Chavez was seriously wounded. Despite attempts to evacuate him, he refused to leave—knowing no one else could replace him.
He continued delivering devastating anti-aircraft fire into the attacking enemy, helping break up the assault and protect his fellow soldiers.
After the enemy retreated, he collapsed from blood loss.
Two days later, while withdrawing toward Hagaru-ri, his convoy was ambushed. Chavez was believed killed in action, and his remains were never recovered.
For his extraordinary courage at Chosin, Celestino Chavez Jr. was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and later promoted to Sergeant.
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