Congressional Medal of Honor winner Rudy Hernandez was the very special guest at a social held Friday night here in St. Pauls.

The event was the annual Christmas party for members of the SP American Legion Post 5 members and its Ladies Auxiliary, and for members of the SP VFW Post 12025.

The Christmas decorated VFW Building was filled with food, gifts, and about 40 members of the three organizations who turned out to meet Mr. Hernandez and to enjoy fellowship.

There was a sumptuous array of foods provided by members, and everyone thorougly enjoyed going down the line at least once.

Mr. Hernandez was a Corporal in the Korean War when he earned the nation’s highest military service award for bravery. His citation reads in part:

“His comrades were forced to withdraw, but Cpl. Hernandez, although wounded by a grenade, continued to fire until his gun malfunctioned. He rushed the enemy armed only with rifle and bayonet. He killed six enemies before falling unconconscious from grenade, bayonet, and bullet wounds, but his heroic action momentarily halted the enemy advance and enabled his unit to counterattack and retake lost ground. The indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry and the Army.”