Table of Contents:
This page opened on the Korean War Educator on February 11, 2013.
To add citations, send them to Lynnita Brown, 111 E. Houghton St.,
Tuscola, Illinois 61953 or e-mail
Lynnita.
Air Medals are awarded for heroism while participating in aerial
flight. Soldier's Medals are awarded for heroism not involving
actual conflict with an enemy.
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Air Medal Recipients
Alves, Kenneth J.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 3 - 28 January 1964
Captain Kenneth J. Alves, Armor, United States Army, a member
of the Aviation Section, Detachment L (Provisional), United
States Army Advisory Group to Korea, distinguished himself by
heroism while participating in aerial flight near Wonju, Korea,
on 17 July 1953. As pilot of an OH-23D helicopter,
Captain Alves demonstrated outstanding flying ability,
perseverance, and sound judgment in his voluntary efforts to
rescue thirty Korean women and children from a small island in
the Somgang River which was swollen by the torrential rains of
Typhoon Wendy. With complete disregard for his own
personal safety, and despite the darkness, heavy rainfall, and
hazardous flying conditions, he quickly located the stranded
people and effectively completed seven lifts from the island
threatened by inundation. Captain Alves' exceptional
flying skill and heroic action during this mercy mission reflect
distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
(This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal for
outstanding courage on 17 July 1963 as announced in General
Orders Number 81, Headquarters, U.S. Army Advisory Group, Korea,
dated 14 August 1963.)
Breneman, Charles A.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 18 - 24 April 1968
Specialist Six Charles A. Breneman, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroic action on 24 October 1967
in Seoul, Korea. As one of the crew members of a UH-1B
helicopter, he helped in saving the lives of approximately 40
people trapped on the roof of a burning building in downtown
Seoul. After the helicopter succeeded in landing on the
roof of the burning building, Special Breneman was highly
instrumental in calming the frantic people, frightened by the
raging flames and the great amount of smoke, and preventing
chaos. He then supervised the loading of the helicopter.
In order to evacuate a maximum number of people in the
helicopter, it was necessary for Specialist Breneman to hang to
the open door. The helicopter made three trips through
intense fire and smoke and the crew successfully saved the lives
of all the trapped people. Specialist Breneman's heroic
actions are exemplary of the highest traditions of the United
States Army. His courageous actions are not only a credit
to himself but to his command and to his country. (This
award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to
Specialist Six Breneman as announced in General Order Number 1,
Headquarters, Eighth United States Army, dated 5 January 1968.)
Fehringer, Paul W.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 12 - 17 March 1967
Specialist Four Paul W. Fehringer, US55807518, United States
Army, is cited for heroism on 26 July 1966.
Specialist Fehringer was acting as a crew chief on a UH-1B
helicopter conducting flood rescue operations in the inundated
Han River Valley, east of Seoul, Korea. The crew's first
rescue operation involved evacuating approximately 170 persons
stranded on the rapidly disappearing high ground of a Korean
village. The helicopter landed in a backyard of one of the
village homes, in the only remaining dry area which measured
about 50 square feet. Immediately following the
helicopter's landing, the flood victims began pushing, shoving
and fighting, all seeking to board the ship. Responding
immediately to the explosiveness of the situation, Sergeant
Fehringer jumped out into the midst of the mob and by using sign
language, and a limited amount of Korean, he attempted to gain
control. Pulling an English speaking Korean to his side he
shouted orders that were translated and brought the crowd under
his control. He then began to systematically load women
and children into the helicopter. During the two mile
flight to the off-loading area, Specialist Fehringer spent his
time reassuring frightened mothers and children and maintaining
control. Ten flights were required to evacuate this group
of people. On another occasion it was necessary to hover
over a house to get to the people stranded within the building.
While the helicopter was hovering, Specialist Fehringer climbed
down the skid to the roof of the house and went inside to help
them. Specialist Fehringer's actions throughout the rescue
operations brought great credit on himself and the United States
Army.
Huckobey, James D.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 40 - 9 December 1965
Specialist Five James D. Huckobey, (then Specialist Four),
United States Army, while serving as a member of Company A, 7th
Aviation Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, distinguished himself
by heroism while participating in aerial flight in the vicinity
of Chorwon, Korea on 1 March 1965. When informed of
the need of an aerial operation to recover the body of a hunter
from a known but uncharted mine field, Specialist Huckobey
unhesitatingly volunteered as Assistant Crew Chief of an Army
CH-21 helicopter for the dangerous mission. While the
pilot hovered the helicopter inches from the ground, Specialist
Huckobey hung from the door of the aircraft and exposed his body
from the waist forward to the mine infested area to reach the
victim. Through his determination and courage, he
continued this brave effort for over an hour until the recovery
operation was completed. His fortitude and perseverance,
combined with the invaluable assistance he provided the pilot in
guiding the aircraft, contributed significantly to the success
of the difficult evacuation mission. Specialist Huckobey's
heroism and professional skill in this perilous recovery
operation reflect great credit upon himself and the military
service.
Littleton, Walter M.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 5 - 23 February 1966
Captain Walter M. Littleton, Artillery, while serving as a
member of Company A, 7th Aviation Battalion, 7th Infantry
Division, distinguished himself by heroism while participating
in aerial flight in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 1
March 1965. When informed of the need of an aerial
operation to recover the body of a hunter from a known but
uncharted minefield, Captain Littleton unhesitatingly
volunteered as co-pilot of an Army CH-21 helicopter for the
dangerous mission. With fortitude, perseverance, and
exceptional flying ability, he and the pilot skillfully
maneuvered the helicopter over a mine infested area while the
crew chief and the assistant crew chief hung from the door of
the aircraft and attached a rope to the body of the hunter
killed by a mine. Although forced to hover the helicopter
inches above the ground for over an hour before recovery of the
body was finally achieved, he displayed professional competence,
determination, and courage which resulted in the success of the
difficult evacuation mission. Captain Littleton's heroism
and outstanding flying ability in this hazardous recovery
operation reflect great credit upon himself and the military
service. (This award supersedes the award of the Army
Commendation Medal for heroism 1 March 1965, as announced in
General Orders Number 125, Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division,
APO San Francisco, 96207, dated 15 March 1965.)
Moore, Travis L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 52 - 18 December 1963
Captain Travis L. Moore, Armor, United States Army, a member
of the Aviation Section, Detachment L (Provisional), United
States Army Advisory Group to Korea, distinguished himself by
heroism while participating in aerial flight near Wanjo, Korea,
on 17 July 1963. As pilot of an OH-23D helicopter,
Captain Moore demonstrated outstanding flying ability,
perseverance, and sound judgment in his voluntary efforts to
rescue 30 Korean women and children from a small island in the
Somgang River which was swollen by the torrential rains of
Typhoon Wendy. With complete disregard for his own
personal safety, and despite the darkness, heavy rainfall, and
hazardous flying conditions, he quickly located the stranded
people and effectively completed seven lifts from the island
threatened by inundation. Captain Moore's exceptional
flying skill and heroic action during this mercy mission reflect
distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
(This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal for
outstanding courage on 17 July 1963 as announced in General
Orders Number 81, Headquarters, U.S. Army Advisory Group, Korea,
dated 14 August 1963.)
Pine, Clyde L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 40 - 9 December 1965
Staff Sergeant Clyde L. Pine, while serving as a member of
Company A, 7th Aviation Battalion, 7th Infantry Division,
distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial
flight in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 1 March 1965.
When informed of the need of an aerial operation to recover the
body of a hunter from a known but uncharted mine field, Sergeant
Pine unhesitatingly volunteered as Crew Chief of an Army CH-21
helicopter for the dangerous mission. While the pilot
hovered the helicopter inches from the ground, Sergeant Pine
hung from the door of the aircraft and exposed his body from the
waist forward to the mine infested area to reach the victim.
Through his determination and courage, combined with the
invaluable assistance he provided the pilot in guiding the
aircraft, he contributed materially to the success of the
difficult evacuation mission. Sergeant Pine's heroism,
perseverance, and professional skill in this perilous recovery
operation reflect great credit upon himself and the military
service. (This award supersedes the award of the Army
Commendation Medal for heroism on 1 March 1965, as announced in
General Orders Number 127, Headquarters 7th Infantry Division,
APO San Francisco, 96207, dated 15 July 1965.)
Prater, Billy R. Jr.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 2 - 12 January 1966
Chief Warrant Officer Billy R. Prater, Jr., United States
Army, while serving as a member of Company A, 7th Aviation
Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by
heroism while participating in aerial flight in the vicinity of
Chorwon, Korea on 1 March 1965. When informed of
the need of an aerial operation to recover the body of a hunter
from a known but uncharted minefield, Chief Warrant Officer
Prater unhesitatingly volunteered as pilot of an Army Ch-21
helicopter for the dangerous mission. With courage, sound
judgment, and outstanding flying ability, he skillfully
maneuvered the helicopter over a mine infested area while the
crew chief and the assistant crew chief hung from the door of
the aircraft and attached a rope the body of the hunter killed
by a mine. Although forced to hover the helicopter inches
above the ground for over an hour before recovery of the body
was finally achieved, he demonstrated determination, fortitude,
and professional skill which resulted in the success of the
difficult evacuation mission. Chief Warrant Officer
Prater's heroism and unique flying ability in this hazardous
recovery operation reflect great credit upon himself and the
military service. (This award supersedes the award of the
Army Commendation Medal for heroism 1 March 1965, as announced
in General Orders Number 126, Headquarters, 7th Infantry
Division, APO San Francisco 96207, dated 15 July 1965.)
Sheppard, Charles W.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 18 - 24 April 1968
Specialist Five Charles W. Sheppard, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroic action on 24 October 1967 in
Seoul, Korea. As the crew chief of UH-1B helicopter, he
helped in saving the lives of approximately forty people trapped
on the roof of a burning building in downtown Seoul. After
the helicopter succeed in landing on the roof of the burning
building, Specialist Sheppard was highly instrumental in calming
the frantic people, frightened by the raging flames and the
great amount of smoke, and preventing chaos. Specialist
Sheppard supervised the loading of the aircraft during the three
trips through intense fire and smoke that were necessary in
order to save the people that were endangered. The lives
of all the trapped people were successfully saved and Specialist
Sheppard's heroic actions are to be highly commended. His
courageous actions are not only a credit to himself, but to his
command and to his country. (This award supersedes the
Army Commendation Medal awarded to Specialist Five Sheppard as
announced in General Order Number 1, Headquarters Eighth United
States Army, dated 5 January 1968.)
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Army Commendation Medal - Foreign
Cho, Ku Ho
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 13 - 6 March 1969
Second Lieutenant Ku Ho Cho, Republic of Korea Army, who
distinguished himself by heroic action against an armed enemy on
22 June 1968 while serving with 11th Company, 71st
Regiment, 25th Division, Republic of Korea Army. On this
date, Lieutenant Cho immediately deployed 10 members of his unit
to deprive three insurgents from withdrawing from a fire fight
and fleeing north. Locating two of the three infiltrators,
Lieutenant Cho pressed an envelopment of the insurgents.
With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he gave
effective small arms fire six meters from his position upon the
enemy soldiers, mortally wounding one of them. Lieutenant
Cho's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the free world's military service and reflect great credit
upon him, the 25th Division, the Republic of Korea Army and the
United Nations Command.
Kim, Sung Ki
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 13 - 6 March 1969
Corporal Sung Ki Kim, Republic of Korea Army, who
distinguished himself for heroism by his demonstrated valor in
the face of the enemy on the night of 29 June 1968.
On this date, Corporal Kim was a member of a five-man ambush
patrol operating within the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as a
part of the anti-infiltration barrier system in the 2d Infantry
Division Sector. At approximately 2100 hours on 29 June
1968, a three-man North Korean infiltration team was sighted
moving towards the ambush patrol of which Corporal Kim was a
member. The entire patrol calmly waited until the
intruders were well within the ambush position and then opened
fire, killing one infiltrator and forcing the rest to flee
north. Corporal Kim's behavior throughout the entire
action was outstanding. His performance was characterized
by superior self control, unflinching discipline, and remarkable
courage. He fully demonstrated his outstanding
professional ability and complete devotion to duty. His
rapid response to the commands of his patrol leader, the
effective and accurate fire that he placed on the advancing
infiltrators, and his disregard for personal safety
significantly contributed to the success of his unit.
Corporal Kim clearly demonstrated his will to defend his country
and his dedication to the cause of freedom. His
performance of duty is in keeping with the highest traditions of
those who stand ready to defend the Free World. Corporal
Kim's actions reflected great credit upon himself, the 2d
Infantry Division, the United States Army and the Army of the
Republic of Korea.
Army Commendation Medal - USA
Gable, Gary Charles
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders 107 - May 02, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure
in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat "V" to
Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Gary Charles Gable (ASN:
0-5342627), United States Army, for superb leadership and
courageous action on 20 April 1968, while serving with Company
C, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. On
this date he was the officer in charge of five patrols in the
Korean Demilitarized Zone. A radio message from one of his
patrol leaders informed him that an armed enemy had attacked a
patrol, the patrol leader was wounded and the patrol was trapped
in a poor position. Lieutenant Gable immediately informed his
parent unit and directed his remaining patrols to positions of
support for the patrol under attack. He deployed his patrols on
line and controlled their fire in a manner that enabled them to
inflict casualties and gain fire superiority in a short period
of time. By his skillful deployment of the patrols, he forced
the hostile force to retreat and enabled the trapped patrol to
regain a secure position. Lieutenant Gable's heroic action in
the face of enemy provocation is in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division and the United States
Army.
Ward, Wayne A.
Headquarters, 2D Infantry Division
General Orders No. 243 - 15 September 1967
Specialist Four Ward distinguished himself by heroism under
hostile fire while on operations against an armed enemy as a
member of Company A, 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry, 2d Infantry
Division. At approximately 0510 hours on the morning of 15
August 1967, Specialist Four Ward was a member of an
anti-infiltration barrier position along the Korean
Demilitarized Zone when he heard movement which was later
determined to be three armed North Korean agents.
Specialist Four Ward and the other patrol members allowed the
enemy agents to advance within effective range, at which time
Specialist Four Ward threw a grenade and delivered an intense
and accurate volume of rifle fire upon the enemy. When an
enemy agent was observed attempting to escape, Specialist Four
Ward left the safety of his position and successfully engaged
the fleeing agent. His aggressive actions materially
assisted in bringing about the death of two North Korean agents
and the recovery of enemy weapons and grenades. Specialist
Four Ward's performance was in the highest standards of military
tradition and reflects great credit upon himself, the 2d
Infantry Division and the United States Army.
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Bronze Star Medal Recipients
Aldrich, Harold (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 31 - 30 September 1964
Specialist Five Harold Aldrich, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroic achievement while engaged in
military operations against an opposing armed force on 13
November 1963, in Korea, and while serving with the
Armistice Affairs Division, United Nations Command/United States
Forces Korea, as a member of the United Nations Command
component of Joint Observer Team Number 4. Specialist
Aldrich displayed fortitude, courage, and military discipline
when the unarmed and properly identified Team was fired upon
without warning by hostile forces as it was conducting an
inspection of the Military Demarcation Line markers and safe
lanes in accordance with the Armistice and subsequent
agreements. To escape the onslaught of heavy machine gun
and rifle fire, the Team members sought cover in icy waters near
the north bank of the North Han River where they were pinned
down for four and one-half hours. Although he was wounded,
Specialist Aldrich demonstrated perseverance and outstanding
ability to cope with the unexpected. Through his personal
example and encouragement to the Team, he was highly
instrumental in maintaining its morale, discipline, and
determination, and in its success in reaching a place of safety.
Specialist Aldrich's professional competence, heroic conduct,
and devotion to duty in this hazardous situation reflect great
credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Berens, Ron K. (POW)
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO
(AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24
January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme
forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation
of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated
defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never
wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United
States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by
his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless
treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow
prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his
exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon
himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States
Naval Service.
Burgoyne, Michael A. (Bronze Star with V)
General Orders No. 5 - 26 April 1985
For action 23 November 1984 while serving with the United
Nations Command Support Group - Joint Security Area, Korea.
Private Burgoyne.
Chicca, Robert J. (POW)
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO
(AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from
24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to
extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in
violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly
demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors.
He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the
United States, even though the guards and interrogators,
frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of
their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire
his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By
his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit
upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service.
Clark, Alphus R. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 31 - 30 September 1964
Lieutenant Colonel Alphus R. Clark, Infantry, United States
Army, distinguished himself by heroic achievement while engaged
in military operations against an opposing armed force on 13
November 1963, in Korea, and while serving with the
Armistice Affairs Division, United Nations Command/United States
Forces Korea, and serving as the Senior Member of the United
Nations Command component of Joint Observer Team Number 4.
Colonel Clark demonstrated fortitude, courage, and professional
skill when the unarmed and properly identified Team was fired
upon without warning by hostile forces as it was conducting an
inspection of the Military Demarcation Line markers and safe
lanes in accordance with the Armistice and subsequent
agreements. To escape the onslaught of heavy machine gun
and rifle fire, the Team members sought cover in icy waters near
the north bank of the North Han River where they were pinned
down for four and one-half hours. Throughout the grueling
ordeal, Colonel Clark rendered encouragement to the Team members
and displayed decisive leadership and sound judgment which
resulted in their safe escape after the prolonged period in icy
waters under heavy hostile gun fire. When it appeared that
the incident could develop into a fire fight between the guard
posts on each side of the river, he was highly instrumental in
preventing a major conflict by urging the Republic of Korea
forces on the south bank to withhold counter fire. Colonel
Clark's heroic conduct, and outstanding performance of duty in
this hazardous situation reflect great credit upon himself and
the United States Army.
Colwell, David K. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 3 - 23 January 1968
Second Lieutenant David K. Colwell, O5338964, Infantry,
United States Army, distinguished himself by heroism at the risk
of his life on 10 August 1967 near the Korean
Demilitarized Zone as a Platoon Leader, Company B, 2d Battalion,
31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colwell
displayed great personal courage and uncommon professionalism
during an ambush attack by the Communist North Koreans on a
vehicle transporting members of Company B, 2d Battalion, 31st
Infantry. Soon after the initial attack, Lieutenant
Colwell leaped from the safety and cover of his trailing vehicle
and advanced, under heavy automatic weapons fire and armed with
only a .45 caliber pistol, to aid the men of the ambushed truck.
Upon reaching the besieged vehicle, he immediately began to
defend his position with a borrowed M-14 rifle, while shouting
orders and encouragement to the men. Demonstrating
exceptional bravery and leadership, Lieutenant Colwell then
exposed himself to intense enemy fire and lowered the tailgate
of the truck in order to evacuate injured personnel and redeploy
the men and weapons to ward off the North Koreans. His
outstanding and heroic actions greatly assisted in driving off
the enemy and prevented possible further injury and deaths among
the trapped soldiers. Lieutenant Colwell's intrepidity and
conspicuously outstanding performance reflect great credit upon
himself, the 7th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Deaver, Alan C. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 15 - 8 April 1968
Sergeant First Class Alan C. Deaver, Infantry, United States
Army, who distinguished himself by heroic action against an
armed enemy on 16 July 1967, while serving with Company
B, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry (Mechanized), 2d Infantry
Division. On this date, Sergeant Deaver was in charge of a
position along the Korean Demilitarized Zone when it was
attacked by an undetermined number of North Korean infiltrators.
After overrunning the position, the enemy withdrew toward the
Demilitarized Zone in an attempt to exfiltrate. Sergeant
Deaver volunteered to lead one of the patrols that was
dispatched to capture the intruders prior to their crossing the
Demilitarized Zone. In an attempt to extricate the
infiltrators from the United Nations side of the Demilitarized
Zone, the enemy directed effective small-arms fire against
Sergeant Deaver's patrol. At this time, Sergeant Deaver
observed one of the enemy soldiers attempting to escape across a
stream bed under the protection of the enemy fire. With
complete disregard for his own personal safety he gave chase to
the escaping aggressor until he closed with him. He then
delivered effective pistol fire upon the enemy soldier, mortally
wounding him. Sergeant Deaver's heroic actions were in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division and
the United States Army.
Grace, Stephen L. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 57 - 17 October 1968
Sergeant Stephen L. Grace, US56705807, United States Army,
who distinguished himself by his heroic actions near the Korean
Military Demarcation Line on 21 April 1968 while assigned
to Company B, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry
Division. Sergeant Grace voluntarily exposed himself to
hostile fire in order to save the life of a wounded comrade and
thwart the enemy's attempt to destroy his ten man force.
As two patrols moved to secure a hill about 100 meters south of
the Military Demarcation Line, one patrol leader advanced to the
crest alone. Two shots hit him; then both patrols received
heavy enemy fire. Quickly deploying his men, Sergeant
Grace advanced up the hill, removed the wounded man to the
relative safety of a depression, and assumed a defensive
position. Observing two individuals attempting to flank
his element, he moved to a position behind a tree. As he
was firing on the enemy personnel, Sergeant Grace was wounded in
the right arm, knocking his weapon out of his hands and rolling
him down the hill. Unarmed, having little cover, and in
pain, he continued to direct his men in returning fire.
Sergeant Grace's forceful leadership and clear judgment enabled
the squad to drive the attackers from the hill and prevented
further injury and loss of life. His intrepidity and
heroic conduct reflect great credit upon himself , the 7th
Infantry Division, and the United States Army. This award
supersedes the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device awarded
to Sergeant Grace for heroism on 21 April 1968, as announced in
General Orders Number 47, Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division,
APO San Francisco 96207, dated 28 May 1968.)
Hanna, Timothy D. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 36 - 19 August 1966
Sergeant Timothy D. Hanna, Infantry, United States Army, who
while serving as a member of Company C, 2d Battalion 23d
Infantry, distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 18
November 1965, in Korea. Sergeant Hanna was leading a
patrol in its return from the Demilitarized Zone in Korea when a
noise was heard in the underbrush. After positioning his
men, he tried to move forward but was stopped when wounded by
hostile automatic weapons fire. Ignoring his multiple
wounds, he continued to move forward, covered his men, and kept
the patrol under control in a manner which prevented further
casualties and unfavorable incidents. Sergeant Hanna's
Sound judgment, professional ability, and heroic conduct in this
hazardous situation reflect distinct credit upon himself and the
United States Army. (This award supersedes the Army
Commendation Medal with "V" device awarded to Sergeant Timothy
D. Hanna for heroism on 18 November 1965, as announced in
General Orders Number 14, Headquarters 2d Infantry Division, APO
San Francisco 96224, dated 18 January 1966.)
Harris, Timothy L. (POW)
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO
(AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from
24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to
extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in
violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly
demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors.
He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the
United States, even though the guards and interrogators,
frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of
their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire
his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By
his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit
upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service.
Hawkins, Robert W. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 33 - 26 July 1967
Sergeant Robert W. Hawkins, United States Army, Company A,
1st Battalion, 38th Infantry, 2d Infantry Division, displayed
heroic action during operations against a ground enemy on 5
April 1967, at Guard Post 566, vicinity Taesong-Dong in the
Demilitarized Zone of Korea. While in the process of
improving defensive positions on the guard post perimeter,
Sergeant Hawkins and two members of his squad were attacked by
an enemy force of squad or larger size which had moved south of
the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Sergeant Hawkins
immediately ordered his men into firing position and directed
their fire against the hostile force, killing the three enemy
who had penetrated the MDL. Sergeant Hawkins and elements
of his squad were pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons
fire from a woodline north of the MDL. Acting with keen
foresight and judgment, Sergeant Hawkins ordered a fire team to
establish a base of fire to cover the withdrawal of himself and
other personnel who had been pinned down. Sergeant Hawkins
then moved his two squad members by fire and maneuver to a more
advantageous position to a trenchline on the Guard Post.
Sergeant Hawkins then rallied his squad and directed their fire
upon the hostile force, thus rendering the enemy ineffective and
causing the remaining enemy to withdraw in wild disorder.
Sergeant Hawkins' professional and inspiring leadership resulted
in killing at least three of the enemy and a routing of the
hostile force without loss or injury to his squad. His
gallantry and heroism while under fire reflect great credit upon
himself and his unit. His actions were in the highest
tradition of the United States Army.
Hester, Claude M. (Bronze with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 26 - 18 June 1968
Private First class Claude M. Hester, (then Private), United
States Army, a member of Company C, 76th Engineer Battalion
(Construction), Camp Liberty Bell, Joint Security Area, Korea,
who distinguished himself by heroic action during operations
against an armed infiltrator force on 28 August 1967 at
the south boundary of the demilitarized zone in Korea. At
1645 hours, a North Korean infiltrator force fired directly from
hidden hillside positions into all tents, buildings and sectors
of Company C with heavy and light automatic weapons fire.
Private Hester had driven into the company motor pool parking
area in a 5-ton dump truck when the enemy fire commenced.
All other persons in the company area were either unarmed,
pinned down, or caring for the wounded. Private Hester did
not leave his truck cab but, without regard for his own life or
safety, calmly and methodically fired a 20-round magazine of
ammunition with his M-14 rifle directly into the hostile force
positions. This action undoubtedly reduced the enemy's
rate of fire and hampered their accuracy. He was the only
individual in the unit to return the hostile fire within the
first minutes of the attack. He then dismounted his truck,
obtained more ammunition from an arriving Infantry force and
again, with complete disregard for his own safety, accompanied
the Infantry squad in an aggressive sweep of the hill. His
gallantry and heroism while under intense fire were in the
highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great
credit upon himself and his unit.
Langenberg, Peter M. (POW)
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO
(AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from
24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to
extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in
violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly
demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors.
He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the
United States, even though the guards and interrogators,
frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of
their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire
his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By
his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit
upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service.
Larion, George F. Jr. (posthumous)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 36 - 5 November 1964
Corporal George F. Larion Jr., United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroic achievement while engaged in
military operations against an opposing armed force on 30
July 1963, in the vicinity of Notlri, Korea. Upon
learning that an armed North Korean patrol had been sighted in
the area of Notlri, Corporal Larion unhesitatingly volunteered
to participate in a military operation to drive out the hostile
forces. With complete disregard for his own personal
safety, he joined the skirmish line and, while displaying
coolness and fortitude, participated in the effort to locate the
insurgents until he was mortally wounded by hostile gunfire.
His courage, professional competence, and dedicated devotion to
duty served to detect the position of the hostile forces and
contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the
mission. Corporal Larion's courageous actions and
outstanding performance of duty in this hazardous situation
reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Leach, Wendell G. (POS)
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO
(AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from
24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to
extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in
violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly
demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors.
He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the
United States, even though the guards and interrogators,
frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of
their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire
his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By
his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit
upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service.
McManus, Abraham W. (Bronze Star with V)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 36 - 5 November 1964
Sergeant Abraham W. McManus, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroic achievement while engaged in
military operations against an opposing armed force on 30
July 1963, in the vicinity of Notlri, Korea. Upon
learning that an armed North Korean patrol had been sighted in
the area of Notlri, Sergeant McManus unhesitatingly volunteered
to join a skirmish line and drive out the hostile forces.
When a fellow soldier close to him was suddenly felled by
hostile gunfire during the advance, he displayed coolness and
fortitude, made his way toward the direction of the gunfire, and
detected the position of the hostile forces. Noticing that
one was preparing a grenade and another attempting to load an
automatic weapon, Sergeant McManus demonstrated complete
disregard for his own personal safety by jumping to his feet and
preventing the hostile action from materializing. His
courage, professional competence, and dedicated devotion to duty
served to avert further casualties to his unit and contributed
in great measure to the successful accomplishment of the
mission. Sergeant McManus' heroic actions and outstanding
performance of duty in this hazardous situation reflect great
credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Schumacher, Frederic Carl (Bronze Star with V)
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure
in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to
Lieutenant, Junior Grade Frederic Carl Schumacher, United States
Navy, for meritorious service as a crew member of the U.S.S.
PUEBLO (AGER-2) during his period of captivity in North Korea
from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to
extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in
violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly
demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors.
He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the
United States, even though the guards and interrogators,
frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of
their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire
his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By
his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit
upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United
States Naval Service. (Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Schumacher is
authorized to wear the Combat "V".)
Siembida, George R. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 57 - 17 October 1968
Specialist Four George R. Siembida, RA11640319, United States
Army, who distinguished himself by heroic actions near the
Korean Demilitarized Zone on 21 April 1968 while assigned
to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 31st
Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. Specialist Siembida
voluntarily and without regard to personal safety exposed
himself to hostile fire in the performance of his duties as an
aid man. Arriving at the scene of an intense fire fight,
Specialist Siembida was quickly informed of the location of
wounded personnel. After giving instructions to the other
aid men, he proceeded to reach the casualties. Despite the
heavy enemy fire, Specialist Siembida ran approximately 100
meters across an open area to the first man. Finding him
dead, he shouldered the body and made the perilous return to
friendly positions, preventing possible enemy capture of the
body. He thereupon again dashed through the heavy fire to
reach the other wounded personnel. Struggling to a forward
position, Specialist Siembida found that the men had already
been evacuated. He retrieved valuable discarded equipment,
and, after traversing the open area for the fourth time,
supervised the treatment and evacuation of the wounded.
Specialist Siembida's outstanding intrepidity and heroic conduct
reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division,
and the United States Army. (This award supersedes the
Army Commendation Medal with "V" device awarded to Specialist
Four Siembida for heroism on 21 April 1968, as announced in
General Orders Number 47, Headquarters 7th Infantry Division,
APO San Francisco 96207, dated 28 May 1968.)
Turgeon, Roy W. Jr. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 57 - 17 October 1968
Second Lieutenant Roy W. Turgeon, Jr., O5342903, Infantry,
United States Army, who distinguished himself by his heroic
actions near the Korean Military Demarcation Line on 21 April
1968. While attached to Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division,
Lieutenant Turgeon voluntarily and without regard to personal
safety exposed himself to intense fire while directing
counter-action against an attacking enemy force. His Quick
Reaction Force arrived at the scene of a fire fight in which ten
friendly personnel were pinned down. Upon drawing fire,
Lieutenant Turgeon deployed his personnel in order to effect the
most efficient return fire. In the course of the fight, he
observed wounded friendly personnel on the side of a hill.
Despite withering enemy fire, he twice crossed 70 meters of open
area in order to move a wounded man to the relative security of
friendly track vehicles. Lieutenant Turgeon's strong,
fearless leadership effected the rescue of the hard pressed
patrol by forcing the enemy to retreat north of the Military
Demarcation Line. Lieutenant Turgeon's intrepidity and
heroic conduct in the face of the enemy reflect great credit
upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States
Army. (This award supersedes award of the Army
Commendation Medal with "V" device as announced in General
Orders Number 46, Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, APO San
Francisco 96207, dated 28 May 1968.)
Tyrell, Jack L. Jr. (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 26 - 18 June 1968
Private First Class Jack L. Tyrell, Jr., United States Army,
who distinguished himself by courageous action on 10 August
1967, when the patrol he was guiding was ambushed by an
undetermined number of North Korean agents, at the southern end
of the Demilitarized Zone. Leading the patrol to an
intersection of two trails, his dog, Blackie, suddenly scented
the hidden North Koreans and lunged toward them. One of
the North Koreans then began firing an automatic weapon, killing
the dog and wounding Private Tyrell. Despite his wounds,
Private Tyrell alerted the patrol and began firing into the
enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own life,
Private Tyrell continued to fire on the enemy until he was
struck in the head by enemy fire and knocked unconscious.
Through his heroic actions, Private Tyrell forced the enemy to
spring the ambush prematurely, thus preventing the possible
injury or loss of life of other members of the patrol.
Private Tyrell's performance of duty was in the highest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division and the United States
Army. (This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal
with "v" device awarded to Private Tyrell for heroism displayed
on 10 August 1967, as announced in General Orders Number 285,
Headquarters 2d Infantry Division, dated 19 October 1967.)
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Bronze Star Medal Recipients (Foreign)
Cho, San Pyo (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 58 - 24 September 1969
Staff Sergeant Sang Pyo Cho, Republic of Korea Army,
distinguished himself by heroic action against an armed enemy on
22 June 1968 while serving with 1st Company, 71st Regiment, 25th
Division, in the village of Pogwang-dong, Korea. On this
date, Sergeant Cho deployed members of his patrol to block the
infiltrators' withdrawal route. Seeing two members of his patrol
mortally wounded by enemy fire, Sergeant Cho crawled with 7
meters of the enemy position under intense small arms fire.
With complete disregard for his own personal safety he threw 4
hand grenades into their position killing 2 of the 5 hidden
insurgents, thus disrupting the enemy's fire. Sergeant
Cho's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the military service and reflect great credit upon him, the
25th Division, Republic of Korea Army and the United Nations
Command.
Sohng, Chung-Kil (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 13 - 6 March 1969
Second Lieutenant Chung-Kil Sohng, Infantry, Army of the
Republic of Korea, who distinguished himself by displaying
exemplary professionalism and resourcefulness while engaged in
hostile action with an enemy force. On 25 June 1968,
while serving as a weapons platoon leader, l7th Company, 37th
Regiment, 12th Republic of Korea Army Division, Lieutenant Sohng
and his men were dispatched to investigate the report of North
Korean agents in the vicinity of Kosong-Kun, Kangwon-Province.
The patrol immediately took action to cut off any possible
infiltration route. The patrol then conducted ambush duty
for the remainder of the night. The following morning
Lieutenant Sohng, while reconnoitering in the vicinity of Kosong-Kun,
Kangwon-Province, contacted one enemy agent. A firefight
ensued and the agent was killed at a distance of 15 meters.
A second agent was sighted to their flank and killed at a
distance of 20 meters. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Sohng
requested and received reinforcements from his parent unit.
Upon arrival of reinforcements, Lieutenant Sohng surrounded and
combed the area suspected of harboring more enemy agents.
As a consequence two more enemy agents were uncovered and
killed. Lieutenant Sohng's leadership ability and tactical
know how were instrumental in routing and killing 4 enemy agents
without a single friendly casualty. Lieutenant Sohng's
actions were in keeping with highest standards of the free world
forces and reflect great credit upon himself, the 12th Division,
the Army of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations
Command.
Um, E. Yung (Bronze Star with V)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 13 - 6 March 1969
Staff Sergeant e. Yung Um, Army of the Republic of Korea, who
distinguished himself by heroic action against an armed enemy on
22 June 1968 while serving with Reconnaissance Company,
72d Regiment, 25th Division, Republic of Korea Army. On
this date, Sergeant Um was in charge of a search party
patrolling the Korean Demilitarized Zone when the patrol
encountered three infiltrators. Immediately one
infiltrator was killed. Sergeant Um climbed an observation
tower and located the remaining intruders trying to exfiltrate
to the north. Sergeant Um with small arms fire from the
observation tower pinned down the intruders. Sergeant Um
then crawled within 20 meters of the enemy. With complete
disregard for his own personal safety, he placed effective small
arms fire upon the enemy soldiers, mortally wounding them.
Sergeant Um's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the free world's military service and reflect
great credit upon him, the 25th Division, the Republic of Korea
Army, and the United Nations Command.
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Distinguished Flying Cross Medal Recipients
Lundgren, CWO Thomas P. (Army - post war award)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 33 - 12 June 1962
Chief Warrant Officer Thomas P. Lundgren, W3150442,
Transportation Corps, United States Army, a member of the 15th
Transportation Detachment, 1st Cavalry Division, distinguished
himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight on 26
February 1962, in Korea. Warrant Officer Lundgren was the
pilot of an H-19C Chickasaw helicopter carrying a co-pilot and
five passengers. In an attempt to land the helicopter at a
helipad in mountainous terrain, the anti-torque mechanism
suddenly failed and the aircraft began to vibrate violently at
approximately one hundred feet above the ground. As the
helicopter settled earthward, directional control was lost and
the aircraft started to turn away from the helipad into a wooded
area. In this sudden emergency, Warrant Officer Lundgren
demonstrated outstanding technical competence, sound judgment,
and presence of mind. Despite the extreme difficulty in
maintaining control of the helicopter, he succeeded in
maneuvering its tailboom against a tree, thereby stabilizing the
aircraft, and preventing it from completely spinning out of
control. After assuring that his passengers were evacuated
and a safe distance away, he then attempted to save the
helicopter by hover-taxiing it to the helipad. When the
tailboom became dislodged from the tree, the helicopter rotated
violently, became completely uncontrollable, crashed, and
immediately burst into flames. When the aircraft crashed,
the co-pilot was trapped on the flight deck. Warrant
Officer Lundgren assisted him to safety through the pilot's
emergency exit, then evacuated himself before the burning
aircraft became completely engulfed by flames. Warrant
Officer Lundren's complete disregard for his own personal
safety, quick thinking, and courageous action saved the lives of
his passengers and co-pilot and reflects the utmost credit on
himself and the military service. (This award supersedes
the previous award of the Army Commendation Medal for
meritorious achievement on 26 February 1962, as announced in
General Orders Number 46, dated 2 April 1962, Headquarters, 1st
Cavalry Division, APO 24, San Francisco, California.)
Norman, Kevin Michael (posthumous)
General Orders: Permanent Order 008-16 (January 8, 2009)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the
Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Kevin
Michael Norman, United States Army, for heroism during aerial
flight on 12 August 2003, while serving as Commander,
Company A, 6th Battalion, 52d Aviation Regiment, 17th Aviation
Brigade, Seoul Air Base, Korea. Through great courage and
incredible flying skills, Captain Norman was able to prevent his
disabled aircraft from crashing into a Korean village, saving
the lives of an untold number of local national civilians.
Captain Norman's heroic actions are in keeping with the finest
traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon
himself, the 17th Aviation Brigade, the Eighth United States
Army, and the United States Army.
Narrative to Accompany Award: Captain Kevin M. Norman, United
States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally heroic
actions and extraordinary flying achievement while participating
in aerial flight in service to the United States as Commander, A
Company, 6th Battalion, 52d Aviation Regiment, 17th Aviation
Brigade, Seoul Air Base, Korea, on 12 August 2003. Captain
Norman was flying a C-12 Huron on a routine maintenance test
flight from Seoul Airbase, Korea when the plane encountered
mechanical problems. He and his co-pilot, Chief Warrant Officer
3 David W. Snow heroically struggled to keep the failing
aircraft from crashing into the homes of the local national
population, saving the lives and property of the people of
Kongse-Ri. Several witnesses, including Lee Chae-Soo, a local
Korean property owner, said the pilots purposely steered the
disabled aircraft away from the homes in the community. Chae-Soo
was quoted as saying, “I'm thankful for those pilots, as I feel
they sacrificed themselves to protect the residential area.”
Despite the plane being on fire, the witnesses say it changed
course and maneuvered away from the village. Lieutenant General
Charles C. Campbell, the Commander of 8th United States Army at
the time of the incident, said in an official press release,
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of these two
heroic aviators who did everything they could to prevent
civilian casualties.” Captain Norman demonstrated incredible
courage and fortitude during this chaotic and terrifying
accident. His thoughts and actions put the lives of others above
his own. The people of Kongse-Ri are extremely grateful for his
incredible flying skills and heroic actions that saved their
lives. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of
military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the
17th Aviation Brigade, the 8th United States Army, and the
United States Army.
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Navy Cross Recipients
Hammond, Robert J. (POW)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the Navy Cross to Robert J. Hammond, Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a crewmember of the
U.S.S. Pueblo (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North
Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Following his
capture, Sergeant Hammond, through his unyielding resistance and
fierce loyalty to his shipmates and his country, became a symbol
of resistance, courage, and dedication to the United States.
This infuriated the North Koreans, who singled him out for more
frequent and far more severe brutalities than were administered
to the other prisoners. When the North Koreans learned that the
U.S.S. Pueblo crew had duped them in their international
propaganda efforts, they intensified their efforts to break the
will and spirit of the crew through the administration of
indiscriminate beatings. Realizing that many of his shipmates
were in danger of being permanently injured or killed, Sergeant
Hammond willingly attempted to sacrifice his own life in order
that his shipmates might be spared further torture. The
following day the North Koreans ceased their beatings and
tortures. Sergeant Hammond's devotion to duty and heroic actions
against seemingly impossible odds reflected great credit upon
himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and the United States Naval Service.
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals.
Home Town: Ossipee, New Hampshire
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Silver Star Medal Recipients
Deville, Mark A.
Private First Class Mark A. Deville, United States Army, was
awarded the Silver Star for exceptional valor and gallantry in
action while serving with the Joint Security Force Company,
United Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea, on
23 November 1984. In reaction to thirty attacking North
Korean soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector, Private
Deville's aggressive actions were instrumental in defeating the
enemy. Throughout the intense firefight, Private Deville
displayed a complete disregard for his own personal safety while
accomplishing his mission. Private First Class Deville's bravery
and aggressive performance of duty under extremely hazardous
circumstances are in keeping with the finest traditions of
military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the United
Nations Command and the United States Army.
Hodges, Duane (posthumous)
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting
the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Duane Hodges, Fireman,
U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. PUEBLO
(AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure
of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by
North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats,
four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When PUEBLO came under
fire from these North Korean units, Petty Officer Hodges
rendered invaluable assistance in the face of the intense
hostile fire while participating in the unfamiliar task of
destroying classified materials. Mortally wounded while carrying
out this assignment, Petty Officer Hodges, by his courage,
initiative, and inspiring dedication, he reflected credit upon
himself and upheld and enhanced the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service. [Born: September 5, 1946 at
Creswell, Oregon. Home Town: Creswell, Oregon]
Lamb, Richard C.
Staff Sergeant Richard C. Lamb, United States Army, was
awarded the Silver Star for exceptional valor and gallantry in
action while serving with the Joint Security Force Company,
United Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea, on
23 November 1984. In reaction to thirty attacking North
Korean soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector, Staff Sergeant
Lamb's aggressive actions were instrumental in defeating the
enemy. Throughout the intense firefight, Sergeant Lamb displayed
a complete disregard for his own personal safety while
accomplishing his mission. Staff Sergeant Lamb's bravery and
aggressive performance of duty under extremely hazardous
circumstances are in keeping with the finest traditions of
military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the United
Nations Command and the United States Army.
Mizusawa, Bert Kameaaloha
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963),
takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain
(Infantry) Bert Kameaaloha Mizusawa, United States Army, for
exceptional valor and gallantry in action while serving as
Commander of the Joint Security Force Company, United Nations
Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea, on 23 November 1984.
In reaction to thirty attacking North Korean soldiers in pursuit
of a Soviet defector, Captain Mizusawa's outstanding leadership
and aggressive actions in leading his company while under fire
were instrumental in defeating the enemy. Additionally, he
personally led the defector to safety while under fire and
deliberately, at great risk to himself, exposed himself to the
enemy in front of his own troops to ensure the success of his
company's combat action. Throughout the intense firefight,
Captain Mizusawa displayed a complete disregard for his own
personal safety while accomplishing his mission. Captain
Mizusawa's bravery and outstanding leadership under extremely
hazardous circumstances are in keeping with the finest
traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon
him, the United Nations Command and the United States Army.
Orlicki, John E.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963),
takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist John
E. Orlicki, United States Army, for exceptional valor and
gallantry in action while serving as Team Leader, Joint Security
Force Company, United Nations Command Security Force at
Panmunjom, Korea, on 23 November 1984. In reaction to
thirty attacking North Korean soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet
defector, Specialist Orlicki's aggressive actions were
instrumental in defeating the enemy. He was responsible for
providing sustained suppressive fires and stopping the enemy
force with an M-203. Throughout the intense firefight,
Specialist Orlicki displayed a complete disregard for his own
personal safety while accomplishing his mission. Specialist
Orlicki's bravery and aggressive performance of duty under
extremely hazardous circumstances are in keeping with the finest
traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon
him, the United Nations Command and the United States Army.
Reynolds, Ernest D. (posthumous)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - 4 April 1967
Private Ernest D. Reynolds, US55881470, United States Army,
who while serving as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 23d
Infantry, 2d Infantry Division, distinguished himself by
gallantry in action on 2 November 1966 in the Republic of
Korea by sacrificing his own life in the defense of his fellow
soldiers. Private Reynolds was a member of a patrol
operating near the southern boundary of the Demilitarized Zone
in Korea when his patrol was attacked and overrun by an armed
patrol of the North Korean Army. Prior to the attack, as
rear security man, he had occupied a concealed position and
opened fire upon the enemy, and he continued to fire until he
himself was killed. His indomitable courage,
determination, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, are
in the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect
great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division, and the
United States Army.
Ross, Gary
Source: Korean War Project
"Here is a story that ran in the Hawaii Army Weekly. A
soldier who served in the 1984 JSA firefight finally got his CIB:
http://www.25idl.army.mil/article.cfm?art_id=651
Soldier receives honor years after mission
By Staff Sgt. Kanessa Mynett-Allen
The U.S. Army prides itself on recognizing and honoring
Soldiers who distinguish themselves through actions above and
beyond the call of duty. For one 25th Infantry Division (Light)
Soldier, that honor arrived Monday, 16 years after an event he
said changed his entire perspective on the United States
military.
Staff Sgt. Gary Ross, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
25th ID (L), division deployment training center noncommissioned
officer-in-charge, was awarded the Bronze Star with V device and
the Combat Infantryman's Badge for a combat action he took part
in as a private while stationed in Korea more than a decade and
a half ago.
Lt. Col. Sam Holloway, division supply officer and Ross'
supervisor, said this honor means closure for Ross. "It's final
recognition for an outstanding performance of duty a long time
ago. This was a long time coming, and it's a well deserved
honor," Holloway said.
Ross was awarded the Bronze Star for "exceptional valor as a
rifleman assigned to the Joint Security Force Company, United
Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea Nov. 23,
1984." Ross and his unit took part in a firefight with
thirty North Korean Soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector,
ensuring border security and the safety of the defector and
others in the UN command sector of the Joint Security Area.
Brig. Gen. Carl Eikenberry, 25th ID (L) Assistant Division
Commander (Support), presented the awards. Eikenberry was a
major assigned as Ross' deputy commander at the time the
firefight for which he was recognized ensued. Eikenberry
explained to the guests the circumstances surrounding the long
wait for Ross' overdue award and how the company commander, who
now works for the Secretary of the Army, had to launch a
campaign "to recognize this Soldier who performed heroically
that day."
Eikenberry said it was important to remember that it's not
what a Soldier wears on their chest that is important, but that
it's what's inside their head and heart that matter and make a
difference. He noted that Ross has been taking difficult
assignments throughout his entire career and not having had
these prestigious awards until now has not changed the high
quality of Soldier he is.
Ross said being recognized for a combat action that took
place so long ago came as a surprise and it's a huge honor for
him to receive these awards. "I was not expecting it. It makes
you feel really good that someone thought enough about it to
keep on this after all these years," Ross said. "I
continuously think of what happened over there because people
died, but I never thought about it as an award due."
Ross, who initially joined the Army to earn enough money for
his college education, said that that one day in Korea, just six
months after he enlisted, changed his outlook on the military's
mission altogether. "If this did not happen I would not have
made a career out of it. I take pride in the Army and it shows a
great deal of honor that I received this now. With or without
it, I am proud."
Schumacher, Frederic Carl (POW)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in
presenting the Silver Star Medal to Frederic Carl Schumacher,
Lieutenant [then Lieutenant Junior Grade], U.S. Navy, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January
1968 which serving on board U.S.S. Pueblo (AGER-2) during
the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel
in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean
naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo
boats, and two aircraft. When the U.S.S. Pueblo came under heavy
fire from these North Korean units, Lieutenant Schumacher, as
Operations Officer, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense
fire while organizing and providing the necessary supervision to
ensure the destruction of all classified materials under his
purview. Through his inspiring leadership, courage, and
dedication in the face of hostile fire, he reflected great
credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service. [Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri]
Back to Page Contents
Soldier's Medal Recipients
America, Clifford F. (posthumous)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 7 - February 24, 1956 The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier's Medal (Posthumously) to Sergeant
First Class Clifford F. America, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict
with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 13th Engineering Battalion, Combat), in
Korea, on 24 June 1955. During the heavy summer rains, eleven American soldiers stranded in a tank, and
their tank retriever in the middle of the Han Tan River were in imminent danger of being submerged by the
rapidly rising and turbulent water. Fully aware of the hazards involved, and that the river banks downstream
were very steep and harbored land mines, Sergeant America voluntarily organized and led an assault boat crew
into the swirling water in an effort to rescue the marooned men. The raging, torrential river and swift
current swept the boat approximately 700 yards downstream where it struck a large rock, foundered and
capsized, and Sergeant America drowned. Although unsuccessful in his heroic attempt to save the lives of the
eleven soldiers, Sergeant America's consummate gallantry and supreme sacrifice set an inspiring example of
valor to all who observed him, reflecting utmost credit on himself and upholding the noble traditions of the
military service.
Anderson, Roger D.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 60 - 12 October 1962
Platoon Sergeant Roger d. Anderson, (then Sergeant First
Class), United States army, a member of the 2d Platoon, Company
A, 1st Battle Group, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division,
distinguished himself by heroism on 4 May 1962, in Korea.
While working as a member of a minefield detail, a Korean
soldier of the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army,
accidentally stepped into a minefield cluster, exploded one of
the mines which severed his leg, and caused him to fall within
other live mines in the cluster. Upon hearing the
explosion, Sergeant Anderson rushed to the area, and, fully
aware of the extreme danger to his own life, voluntarily and
promptly participated in the hazardous rescue operation.
After probing, locating, and disarming the mines in the area and
reaching the severely wounded Korean, he quickly applied first
aid and discovered that the injured soldier was lying on top of
a live mine. Realizing the imminent danger of detonation
in attempting to remove the mine from beneath the victim, he
undauntedly started the harrowing and dangerous task. He
held the wounded man's body with one hand to prevent him from
moving and exploding the mine and fearlessly and skillfully
extracted the mine and continued his work until all mines in the
cluster were located and disarmed. He then capably
assisted in evacuating the wounded soldier from the minefield.
Sergeant Anderson's unhesitating, efficient, and heroic action
in the face of grave danger saved the life of his Korean comrade
and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
(This award supersedes so much of General Order Number 75,
Headquarters 1st Cavalry division, dated 4 June 1962, as
pertains to award of the Army Commendation Medal to Sergeant
Anderson for meritorious achievement on 4 May 1962.)
Aumiller, Charles A.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - 10 April 1962
Sergeant Charles A. Aumiller, RA13657980 (then Specialist
Fourth Class), United States Army, distinguished himself by
heroism on 11 July 1961 in Korea, while a member of
Company B, 1st Battle Group, 31st Infantry. During a
mobility exercise with his unit, Sergeant Aumiller saw a group
of Korean soldiers bathing in the rain-swollen Hantan River.
One of the Korean bathers was swept into a 500-yard stretch of
rapids with jagged rocks and boulders protruding. Upon
hearing the victim's cries for help, Sergeant Aumiller,
unhesitatingly, and without regard for his own personal safety,
jumped into the raging river to rescue the Korean soldier.
With great efforts and determination, he successfully reached
and held the shocked victim above the water level.
As the two men wee being hurled through the rapids, Sergeant
Aumiller caught hold of a concrete piling and pulled the Korean
to safety on a large boulder. They were pulled from the
water by other American soldiers who tied rile slings together
to use as rope. Sergeant Aumiller's courageous and heroic
action in voluntarily risking his own life to save the life of
an allied soldier reflects great credit on himself and the
military service. (This award supersedes award of the Army
Commendation Medal as announced in General Orders Number 115,
Headquarters 7th Infantry Division, dated 27 October 1961.)
Bailiff, Finley
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 10 - 21 March 1956
Private Finley Bailiff, Medical Corps, United States Army, a
member of Company "A", 73d Tank Battalion, for heroism on 18
September 1955, near Taejon-ni, Korea. While off duty,
Private Bailiff learned that three American servicemen lay
injured in a mine field, and quickly proceeded to the scene of
the accident to assist in rescue operations. During the
hours of darkness, and fully aware of the danger involved,
Private Bailiff unhesitatingly probed through dense brush and
over-hanging vegetation and, with the help of a comrade,
evacuated one of the ill-fated soldiers to safety. After
administering emergency treatment to the suffering man, Private
Bailiff headed an aid team and, entering the mined area a second
and third time, rescued the other two casualties. Then he
carefully surveyed the hazardous area for an alleged fourth
victim, and repeated his search the following day to insure that
no one was left in the mine field. Private Bailiff's
intrepidity and prompt, courageous actions reflect utmost credit
on himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military
service.
Bair, Thomas F.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 38 - 18 September 1967
Captain Thomas F. Bair, 04027927, Military Police Corps,
United States Army, who distinguished himself by heroism while
serving as Security Officer of the United States Army Support
Group, Joint Security Area, Panmunjom, Korea, on 22 March
1967. At the conclusion of the Military Armistice
Commission meeting being held at Panmunjom, Korea, Mr. Su Kun
Yi, Vice Chief of the official North Korean Central News Agency,
entered a U.S. Army sedan seeking transportation to South Korea.
Without thought fort his own safety, Captain Bair immediately
ran to the assistance of Mr. Su Kun Yi, knocking two armed North
Korean guards from the vehicle as they attempted to drag Mr. Su
Kun Yi from the vehicle. Captain Bair's actions were
instrumental in the successful flight of Mr. Su Kun Yi to asylum
in the Republic of Korea. Captain Bair's heroic conduct is
not only in the highest tradition of the United States Army and
reflected great credit upon himself and the Military Service but
greatly enhanced the image of his unit and the United Nations
Command.
Balcombe, Jeanne M. (posthumous)
On September 1, 1999, Sgt. 1st Class Jeanne M. Balcombe, of the
1st Platoon, 55th Military Police Company, was posthumously
awarded the Soldiers Medal for heroism in the face of danger.
While on duty on August 21, 1999, Balcombe's quick thinking and
selfless response safeguarded and protected others at the Troop
Medical Clinic at Camp Red Cloud, Korea. She placed herself in
harm's way between three soldiers and an armed gunman.
"Sergeant Jeanne Balcombe was shot and killed at Camp Red
Cloud, South Korea, by one of her own soldiers. The suspect, who
was drunk at the time, was upset that Sergeant Balcombe had
ordered a blood test on one of the suspect's friends. He then
overpowered a South Korean soldier stationed at the base and
took his sidearm. He shot Sergeant Balcombe three times,
including once in the head, before fleeing the base. He was
captured later in the day by Korean National Police officers
with the murder weapon still in his possession. The suspect was
convicted of capital murder by General Court Martial and
sentenced to life in prison. Sergeant Balcombe was a member of
the 55th Military Police Company. She is survived by her husband
and two daughters."
Barker, James K.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 50 - 26 September 1968
Specialist four James K. Barker, RA12651355, United States
Army, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d
Battalion, 23 Infantry (Mechanized), who, through a heroic
effort that endangered his own life, was largely responsible for
saving the life of a member of a scout platoon on 29 March
1968. The victim, having become stuck in the
quicksand-like mud near the Imjin River, was soon engulfed in
the rapidly rising tide of the river. When it became
apparent that the man could not be pulled free by ordinary
means, Specialist Barker, realizing he could himself become
trapped in the mud, entered the water to the point where the man
was rapidly sinking. Specialist Barkier remained with him
for one and one-half hours, at times disappearing from sight in
the rising tide, in an effort to keep the victim from going
below the river's surface. Due largely to his efforts, he
and the victim were eventually pulled from the deadly trap by a
rescue helicopter. Specialist Barker's heroic effort
served as an inspiration to more than a score of rescuers on the
scene and brought great credit to himself and the military
service. (This award supersedes the Army Commendation
Medal awarded to Specialist Barker as announced in General
Orders Number 89, Headquarters, Eighth United States Army, APO
San Francisco 96301, dated 7 June 1968.)
Bass, Harold J.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 38 - 18 September 1967
Airman First Class Harold J. Bass, AF11435379, United States
Air Force, who distinguished himself by heroism on 9 February
1967. At approximately 1030 hours an Army Mohave CH37
helicopter crashed and burned at an ACWs site located at
Yongmun-San, Korea. Without regard for his own safety
Airman Bass immediately ran to the helicopter and freed the
pilot, whose escape hatch jammed and couldn't be opened from the
inside. After freeing the pilot, Airman Bass then moved to
the side of the helicopter and, disregarding the flames from
burning gasoline, assisted a passenger who was entangled in the
wreckage. Only after he was assured that all personnel
were evacuated did he leave the aircraft. He then
proceeded to administer first aid to one of the crew members who
was severely burned. Airman Bass' actions were in keeping
with the highest traditions of bravery in the United States Army
and bring great credit upon himself, his squadron, and the
United States Air Force.
Bauer, Daniel R.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - 10 April 1962
Second Lieutenant Daniel R. Bauer, O5007623, Armor, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on the night of
13 October 1961, in the vicinity of Moyre-Dong, Korea.
When Lieutenant Bauer was informed that four members of his
platoon on a routine night patrol mission were injured and
trapped near a cluster of antitank and antipersonnel mines, he
voluntarily and courageously participated in the hazardous
rescue operations. In an outstanding display of
exceptional initiative, resourcefulness, and quick thinking, he
immediately obtained probing and marking equipment, organized
lighting facilities, arranged for medical aid, and moved rapidly
to the minefield site. He quickly moved all supporting
personnel to a safe distance, and with total disregard for his
own personal safety, bravely proceeded to probe a safe lane
through seventy-five feet of the minefield to the position of
his men. Despite the difficulties and danger imposed by
darkness, thick ground cover of tangled vines, the necessity for
probing each two or three inches in the minefield that contained
M-15 antipersonnel mines, and the imminent danger of detonation,
he advanced with great speed and without regard for his own life
to reach his men rapidly. Cautiously probing the area of
the mine explosion, he encountered three unexploded mines.
Realizing he was in a mine cluster, he undauntedly continued
working until he evacuated one unharmed man and one severely
wounded, thereby saving his life. He then evacuated two of
the men who died of wounds, and did not withdraw until all
personnel were removed from the minefield. Lieutenant Bauer's
unhesitating, efficient, and heroic action in the face of grave
danger saved the lives of two of his men and reflects great
credit on himself and the military service. (This award
supersedes so much of General Orders Number 145, Headquarters
1st Cavalry Division, dated 9 November 1961, as pertains to the
previous award of the Army Commendation Medal to Lieutenant
Bauer for meritorious achievement on 13 October 1961.)
Beall, Gerald J. Jr.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 56 - 28 October 1957
Private First class Gerald J. Beall, Jr., RA19545748, United
States Army, a truck driver for Company M, 21st Infantry
Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by
heroism near Nullo-ri, Korea, on 22 October 1956.
On learning that a Korean youth had been badly injured by the
explosion of a land mine, Private Beall drove his vehicle to the
scene of the accident. Fully aware of the danger involved
and without benefit of a mine detector, he unhesitatingly
entered the uncharted minefield and went to the rescue of the
helpless man. With the help of two companions who followed him
into the hazardous area, he evacuated the suffering man to the
truck and took him to the battalion aid station for treatment.
Private Beall's valorous actions were instrumental in saving the
life of a young Korean, reflecting utmost credit on himself and
upholding the traditions of the military service.
Best, Leonidas W.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
Major Leonidas W. Best, Transportation Corps, United States
Army, distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of Seoul,
Korea, on the night of 22 February 1957. Major
Best's detachment was one of a group of aviation units assigned
the mission of rescuing survivors of a C-124 aircraft which
crash-landed on a sandbar in the Han River Estuary. In a
desperate race against the rapidly rising tide waters and a
mounting danger to the survivors from continued exposure to the
winter elements, he directed the evacuation flights of the
helicopters under extremely hazardous conditions. With
disregard to his own safety or comfort he worked in the ice
filled river with the rising tide reaching his armpits,
supervising the flights, loading the survivors, and directing
search operations. Despite the hazards of the helicopter
rotor blades, the swift current of the rising tide, and full
awareness of the danger of hovering aircraft over head, Major
Best resolutely and unhesitatingly performed his duty, thereby
contributing immeasurably to the completely successful rescue
mission. His unhesitating and courageous action in the
face of grave danger coupled with complete disregard for his own
safety, reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the
military service.
Butler, George A.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 40 - 9 December 1965
Private First Class George A. Butler, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism on 6 February 1965,
while serving as a military policeman in Company B, 728th
Military Police Battalion, Taejon, Korea. Private Butler
was performing normal military traffic patrol when he saw a
small Korean boy fall through the ice covering the Yuchon River.
He stopped his vehicle, ran to the bank of the river and, with
complete disregard for his own safety, began to crawl over the
ice to the floundering child when the ice broke under his
weight. Then, he forged his way toward the boy, breaking
the ice with his forearms. Through his determination and
great effort, he succeeded in reaching the boy and bringing him
to the safety of the shore. After being assured that the
child was feeling fine, he released him to a group of Korean
adults who ha congregated at the scene. Private Butler's
heroic conduct in this emergency is in the highest traditions of
the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself
and the military service.
Cain, Harold L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
Private Harold L. Cain, Infantry, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism on the night of 22 February
1957 in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, when the C-124
aircraft on which he was a passenger developed engine trouble
shortly after takeoff and crash-landed on a sandbar in the Han
River, bursting into flames on impact. Private Cain
ignored the fiercely burning airplane and constant threat from
explosion, and with complete disregard for his own life,
voluntarily returned to the airplane to seek and aid injured
survivors. He made repeated trips at the risk of his life
in attempting to drag the injured men from the plane. His
heroic efforts were hampered by darkness and danger from
drowning in the fast flowing and freezing tide waters.
Despite the icy water, he led several men suffering from shock
away from the crash area and later helped load casualties onto
rescue helicopters. Private Cain continued his heroic
efforts until all of the injured had been evacuated and removed
to safety. When he finally consented to his own evacuation
the raging river had risen above his knees and threatened to
sweep him into the icy waters. His prompt and courageous
action reflects great credit on himself and the military
service.
Capka, Jerry G.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 10 - 21 March 1956
Major Jerry G. Capka, Corps of Engineers, United States Army,
a member of Headquarters 2d Engineer Group (Construction),
distinguished himself by heroism near Kimpo Air Base, Korea, on
6 August 1955. When a 2 1/2-ton truck transporting
20 enlisted men fell from a bridge, trapping all occupants
inside the vehicle, Major Capka radioed a request for ambulances
and fire-fighting equipment and quickly organized rescue
operations. While attempting to lift the truck with the
help of a group of enlisted men and Korean civilians, the
gasoline tank exploded and enveloped the vehicle in flames.
With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Capka forced
an entry into the burning vehicle and effected the rescue of
several victims. Major Capka's courageous actions reflect
utmost credit on himself and are in keeping with the traditions
of the military service.
Carmack, Roy D.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 40 - 9 December 1965
Staff Sergeant Roy D. Carmack, United States Army, as a
member of Company C, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 17th Infantry,
distinguished himself by heroism on 12 April 1965, in
Korea. Sergeant Carmack was on the scene during a
mechanical repair of an Armored Personnel Carrier when the
vehicle, loaded with ammunition, burst into flames. After
two mechanics were forced from the carrier when the fixed fire
extinguisher failed to put out the blaze and an explosion was
imminent, Sergeant Carmack displayed complete disregard for his
own safety in an effort to extinguish the fire. He grabbed
a portable fire extinguisher and, although attired only in field
clothing, entered the burning carrier and succeeded in
extinguishing the flames. His courage and prompt actions
prevented possible injury to personnel on the scene and damage
to Government property. Sergeant Carmack's heroic conduct
in this emergency situation is in the highest traditions of the
United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and
the military service.
Carter, John T.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 50 - 26 September 1968
Second Lieutenant John T. Carter, 054341875, Infantry, United
States Army, a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
2d Battalion, 23d Infantry (Mechanized), who, through a heroic
effort that endangered his own life, was largely responsible for
saving the life of a member of a scout platoon on 29 March
1968. The victim, having become stuck in the
quick-sand like mud near the Imjin River, was soon engulfed in
the rapidly rising tide of the river. When it became
apparent that the man could not be pulled free by ordinary
means, Lieutenant Carter, realizing he could himself become
trapped in the mud, entered the water to the point where the man
was rapidly sinking. Lieutenant Carter remained with him
for one and one-half hours, at times disappearing from sight in
the rising tide. Due largely to his efforts, he and the
victim were eventually pulled from the deadly trap by a rescue
helicopter. Lieutenant Carter's heroic effort served as an
inspiration to more than a score of rescuers on the scene and
brought great credit to himself and the military service.
(This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to
Lieutenant Carter as announced in General Orders Number 89,
Headquarters, Eighth United States Army, APO San Francisco
96301, dated 7 June 1968.)
Chandler, Joseph T.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 2 - 5 February 1965
Specialist Four Joseph T. Chandler, United States Army, as a
member of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, distinguished
himself by heroism in Korea on 2 April 1964. While
participating in operations near the Demilitarized Zone of
Korea, Specialist Chandler displayed complete disregard for his
own personal safety by unhesitatingly volunteering to traverse
an active mine field to rescue a soldier who was seriously
wounded by a mine explosion. After an extremely hazardous
effort of probing a lane through 30 feet of the minefield, he
succeeded in reaching the injured man. Although the
soldier was apprehensive about the return trip, Specialist
Chandler encouraged the injured man while carrying him on his
back through another 30 feet of the uncleared minefield to a
position where medical personnel evacuated the wounded man.
Specialist Chandler's heroic action and deep concern for a
fellow soldier are in the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United
States Army. (This award supersedes award of the Army
Commendation Medal for heroism on 2 April 1964, as announced in
General Orders Number 92, Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
APO 24, dated 10 July 1964.)
Christian, Willie G.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 42 - 7 November 1960
Sergeant Willie G. Christian, United States Army, a member of
Battery "B", 1st Howitzer Battalion (8"), 17th Artillery,
distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of the village
of Sarang-Ni near the Han Tan Chon River in Korea, on 24 May
1960. While undergoing unit practice for the annual
battery test, Christian was informed that a field mine had
accidentally exploded and seriously injured three Republic of
Korea civilians. When a request was made for assistance in
behalf of the victims, Sergeant Christian immediately
volunteered his services. With full knowledge that the
area at the scene of the explosion contained armed mines, and
despite the existing possibility of a mine detonating in the
field at any time, he assisted in the evacuation of the injured
Korean nationals, and aided Republic of Korea Army soldiers in
controlling civilians in the vicinity. The complete
disregard which Sergeant Christian displayed for his own
personal safety, and the unselfish and courageous actions which
he manifested by risking his life in this dangerous emergency
are in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army,
and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military
service.
Clarke, Warren J.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
Private First Class Warren J. Clarke, Infantry, United States
Army, distinguished himself by heroism on the night of 22
February 1957, in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, when the
C-124 aircraft on which he was a passenger developed engine
trouble shortly after takeoff and crash-landed on a sandbar in
the Han River, bursting into flames on impact. Although
the plane was burning fiercely, in spite of the constant threat
of an explosion, and with complete disregard for his own life,
Private Clarke voluntarily returned to the aircraft and dragged
one injured man from the flaming plane. He then made
repeated attempts to approach the aircraft to remove more of the
injured. Private Clarke's actions were with utter
disregard for his own personal safety in that the threat of
explosion was imminent and the rapidly rising tide threatened to
sweep him into the freezing water. Debris scattered about
the crash site and jagged edges on the aircraft seriously
hampered removal of the injured and the numerous helicopters
hovering overhead created additional hazards which threatened
loss of life or grave personal injury. Private Clarke's
prompt and courageous action with disregard for his own life
reflects great credit on himself and the United States Army.
Clough, Forest L. Jr.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
First Lieutenant Forest L. Clough, Jr., Artillery, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of
Seoul, Korea, on the night of 22 February 1957. Lieutenant
Clough was one of a group of helicopter pilots assigned to the
mission of rescuing survivors of a C-124 aircraft which had
crash-landed on a sandbar in the Han River Estuary. In a
desperate race against the rapidly rising tide and the danger to
the survivors from continued exposure to the winter elements, he
made several flights to the crash site under extremely hazardous
conditions to evacuate survivors who were huddled on the sandbar
or on ice floes in the river. With practically no
illumination, he landed his helicopter in as much as 30 inches
of water. Despite darkness, density of aircraft in the
air, inadequate landing areas at the crash site, and with full
awareness that an aircraft failure or misjudgment could result
in his death or serious injury, Lieutenant Clough resolutely and
unhesitatingly performed his duty, thereby contributing
immeasurably to the completely successful rescue mission.
His unhesitating and courageous action in the face of grave
danger, with complete disregard for his own safety, reflects
great credit on himself, his unit, and the military service.
Cochran, William T.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 18 - 18 April 1967
Warrant Officer William T. Cochran, W3152942, United States
Army, distinguished himself by an act of heroism on 26 July
1966 while assigned as co-pilot on a UH-18 helicopter
participating in flood rescue operations in the Han River Valley
in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea. Warrant Officer Cochran
left the helicopter to assist a Korean National policeman with a
rowboat, to attempt the rescue of a family of five stranded in
the second story of their home. Due to type construction, raging
water and trees, it was impossible to make the rescue with the
helicopter. The rowboat had been flown to the vicinity,
offloaded to a building and subsequently towed by helicopter to
the upstream side of the house. Warrant Officer Cochran
and the policeman then rowed the boat through the trees to the
house. To evacuate the family, it was planned to make two
trips so as not to overload the twelve foot rowboat. Just
as the boat was beginning to be towed away from the house with
four persons aboard, the mother with a baby on her back and the
policeman jumped in too. One of the boys stood up and
tried to reach the house causing the boat to overturn, spilling
all occupants into the fast moving current of the Han River.
Sensing that he was the only person who could swim, Warrant
Officer Cochran, dressed in flight suit and combat boots and
with utter disregard for his own safety, made three successful
rescue attempts, saving two boys and the adult male.
Warrant Officer Cochran's personal courage and complete
disregard for his own safety are in the highest traditions of
the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself.
Crawford, Garland R.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 43 - 27 September 1963
Specialist Five Garland R. Crawford, United States Army,
while a member of Company A, 8th Engineer Battalion
(Construction), 1st Cavalry Division, Eighth United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism on 6 March 1963, in
Korea. Specialist Crawford unhesitatingly volunteered to
traverse a mine field to rescue a soldier who was seriously
wounded by a mine explosion. During more than one hour of
extremely hazardous efforts in clearing a lane to the injured
soldier, Specialist Crawford and his comrades located and
disarmed numerous mines. When he and the other members of
the rescue party had advanced to within approximately twenty
meters of the injured soldier, a helicopter lowered a sling in
an attempt to airlift him from the dangerous area.
Observing that the soldier was too weak to tie himself securely
to the sling and was in danger of falling or rolling onto other
mines, Specialist Crawford, with complete disregard for his own
personal safety, rushed through the remaining distance of the
un-cleared mine field, and assisted him into the sling.
Specialist Crawford's heroic action, devotion to duty, and deep
concern for a fellow soldier are in the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the
United States Army. (This award supersedes the award of
the Army Commendation Medal to Specialist Crawford for heroism
on 6 March 1963, in Korea, as announced in General Orders Number
84, Headquarters, Eighth United States Army, dated 15 May 1963.
Crisman, Forrest E.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 58 - 27 November 1957
Sergeant Forrest E. Crisman, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism on the night of 22 February
1957, in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, when the C-124
aircraft on which he was a passenger developed engine trouble
and crash-landed on a sandbar in the Han River, bursting into
flames on impact. Despite extreme physical and emotional
stress, forbidding terrain conditions and darkness, Sergeant
Crisman immediately organized the survivors for their safety and
assumed command of passenger accounting operations. Upon
learning that there was an Air Force Sergeant severely wounded
in or near the plane, Sergeant Crisman immediately organized a
rescue team to return to the site of the plane. Despite
great personal danger, Sergeant Crisman waded through waist-deep
icy water back to the burning plane, aware that there were
several full tanks of gasoline inside which had not yet
exploded. In the face of these hazards, Sergeant Crisman
and the men who went with him appeared to give no thought to
their personal safety or their lives and reentered the plane.
The wounded man was located near the flaming inside engine, and
was carried back through the rapidly rising icy water by the
rescue detail. Upon his return, Sergeant Crisman continued
to assist the wounded and give moral support to others.
Sergeant Crisman's prompt, vital, and courageous action in the
face of extreme danger reflects great credit on himself and the
military service.
Daniels, James W.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 1 - 8 January 1960
Private James W. Daniels, Military Police Corps, United
States Army, a member of Company "D", 728th Military Police
Battalion, distinguished himself by heroism on 10 July 1959
at Kunsan, Korea. Private Daniels was patrolling the
POL pipeline on Kunsan Air Base during the hours of darkness
when a severe explosion occurred at the pumping station in the
vicinity of his patrol. Private Daniels hastened to the
scene of the blast to find the area engulfed in a rapidly
spreading fire fed by high octane gasoline, from a ruptured
main. Hearing cries for help from the adjacent marsh area,
Private Daniels, voluntarily, and with complete disregard for
his own safety and the danger of intense heat, explosion, and
spreading fire, waded into the gasoline covered marsh water and,
with the help of a comrade, located and carried a seriously
injured airman to safety. He then, with a comrade,
commandeered an Air Force vehicle to assist in the evacuation of
the injured man to the Base hospital. Private Daniels'
unselfishness, initiative, and prompt courageous action saved
the airman from possible death by drowning or fire from the
spreading gasoline-fed flames, reflecting great credit on
himself and the military service.
Dold, Robert V.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 39 - 31 July 1957
Specialist Second Class Robert V. Dold, Infantry, United
States Army, a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,
21st Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself by heroism near
Oui-Dong, Korea, on 4 November 1956. Upon learning
that a comrade had been injured by an antipersonnel mine,
Specialist Dold immediately procured a vehicle, picked up an aid
man and quickly drove to the scene of the accident. Fully
aware of the danger involved and without benefit of a safe lane
or mine detector, he unhesitatingly entered the unchartered
minefield and went to the rescue of the helpless man.
After assisting in administering first aid, he helped evacuate
the critically injured man by litter to an awaiting ambulance
which rushed him to a collecting station for further treatment.
Specialist Dold's valorous actions were instrumental in saving
the life of a fellow soldier, reflecting utmost credit on
himself and the military service.
Dubberly, Jackie B.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 53 - 8 September 1955
Private Jackie B. Dubberly, distinguished himself by heroism
near Pusan, Korea, on 8 April 1955. When a soldier
was overcome by gasoline vapor while removing the float and pump
pipes in a stalled tractor-trailer, Private Dubberly immediately
crawled through the 18-inch opening of the hatch and attempted
to rescue him. Although the stricken man had lost
coordination of his facilities and the power to reason, Private
Dubberly remained in the tank and tried desperately to save his
comrade until he, Dubberly, fell unconscious from the poisonous
fumes. Private Dubberly's valorous conduct and intrepid
actions reflect utmost credit on himself and are in keeping with
the honored traditions of the military service.
Esteras-Fortuno, Jose A.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 9 - 8 March 1966
Major Jose A. Esteras-Fortuno, Infantry, United States Army,
while serving as a member of Headquarters 1st Brigade, 2d
Infantry Division, distinguished himself by heroism in Korea on
15 July 1965. While participating in emergency and
relief operations during a flood which devastated the village of
Nullo-Ri, South Korea, Major Esteras-Fortuno was informed that a
young woman had been swept into a culvert and carried toward a
river by the rushing water. He ran to the scene and
quickly saw her in the river. Then, with complete
disregard for his own safety, he jumped into the swift,
hazardous, and debris-filled river, swam to the victim, and
pulled her to the water's edge. Although near complete
exhaustion and requiring assistance of others to pull himself
and the young woman from the raging waters, he immediately
picked her up and carried her to the nearest medical clinic
where she was revived by a local doctor. Major
Esteras-Fortuno's deep concern for the welfare of others, and
prompt and heroic conduct in this dangerous situation are in the
highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great
credit upon himself and the military service. (This award
supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Major
Esteras-Fortuno for heroism on 15 July 1965 as announced in
General Orders Number 68, Headquarters 2d Infantry Division,
dated 27 October 1965.)
Esworthy, Howard L. (posthumous)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 6 - 4 February 1957
Private Howard L. Esworthy, Military Police Corps, United
States Army, a member of the Military Police Security Detachment
(8225), distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of
Heunde, Korea, on 2 August 1956. During the decline of a
typhoon and while on normal police duty, Private Esworthy was
notified that an officer and two nurses had been swept off the
rocky shore into the ocean. Quickly securing an air
mattress and a coil of rope, he rushed to the scene of the
accident. Fully aware of the hazards involved, he climbed
down a steep incline and onto a high rock in an attempt to
effect a rescue. When one of the women was within
approximately 20 feet, Private Esworthy threw the rope to her,
but, because of the turbulence of the water, was unable to make
contact. At this junction, his position was engulfed by
huge waves and he was carried out to sea by the swift tidal
current, and drowned. Although unsuccessful in his heroic
attempt to save the lives of the three people, Private
Esworthy's consummate gallantry and supreme sacrifice has set an
inspiring example of valor to all who observed him, reflecting
utmost credit on himself and upholding the noble traditions of
the military service.
Ferriera, Arnold J.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 1 - 8 January 1960
Master Sergeant Arnold J. Ferriera, Artillery, United States
Army, a member of Battery B, 3d Gun Battalion (280-mm), 38th
Artillery, distinguished himself by heroism on 29 August 1959
in the vicinity of Chon Gong-Ni, Korea. Sergeant
Ferriera observed a group of Korean women and children running
up and down the banks of the Han Tan River and pointing
excitedly toward a child floundering approximately 25 feet from
shore in deep water. Without hesitation or concern for his
own personal safety, Sergeant Ferreira plunged fully clad into
the water and, fighting swift and swollen currents and a strong
undertow, swam out to rescue the drowning child. Without
assistance, he brought the young boy safely to shore, quickly
administered artificial respiration which revived him and
returned the child to his mother. Sergeant Ferreira's
quick presence of mind, courageous actions, and selfless
determination in this emergency undoubtedly saved the child's
life, and reflect the utmost credit on himself and the military
service.
Field, Adolph F.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes
pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private Adolph F. Field, United States Army, for heroism
at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 8 April 1955 in Pusan, Korea.
On the evening of that day a gasoline tractor-trailer was brought into the Motor Pool of the 98th
Quartermaster Battalion for emergency repair of the float on the pump pipes and, in attempting to remove
the defective float from within the gasoline tank, the driver of the tractor-trailer was overcome by the
gasoline fumes and rendered unconscious. Although having seen one comrade pulled from the tank
unconscious and another almost overcome by the poisonous vapors in their attempt to save the driver,
Private Field completely disregarded his own safety by unhesitatingly entering the fume-filled gasoline
tank through the 18-inch hatch to rescue his fellow soldier. With singular bravery and great risk to his
life, he successfully lifted the unconscious driver through the hatch and pushed him out of the tank,
subsequently helping to place him in an ambulance. Private Field's prompt and courageous action in the
face of grave danger is testimony of his intrepid and selfless devotion to duty. His act of heroism
reflects great credit on himself and upholds the esteemed traditions of the military service.
General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 53 (September 8, 1955)
Fisher, MSgt. Clarence J.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 315 - August 14, 1953
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the
act of Congress, approved 2 July 1926 (WD Bul. 8, 1926), the
Soldier’s Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with
an enemy during the dates indicated is awarded to Master
Sergeant Clarence J. Fisher, Army Medical Service, United States
Army, Medical Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry
Division, distinguished himself by heroism not involving actual
conflict with the enemy on 28 July 1953 in the vicinity
of Ansan, North Korea. At approximately 1555 hours on that date,
an ammunition dump exploded, inflicting many casualties.
Sergeant Fisher, working in an Aid Station not far from the dump
immediately rushed to the area. Quickly appraising the situation
and realizing the dire need for medical attention, he began
administering first aid to the seriously wounded men. Although
completely exposed to the still burning and exploding shells, he
worked unceasingly for two hours giving aid and preparing for
the evacuation of the critically wounded. By his prompt and
courageous actions in this emergency, Sergeant Fisher quickened
the evacuation of the wounded and injured, thus keeping the
death rate at a minimum. The inspirational conduct and heroic
actions displayed by Sergeant Fisher reflect great credit upon
himself and the military service. Home of Record: New
Jersey
Ford, Howard D.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 1 - 8 January 1960
Private First Class Howard D. Ford, Military Police Corps,
United States Army, a member of Company "D", 728th Military
Police Battalion, distinguished himself by heroism on 10 July
1959 at Kunsan, Korea. Private Ford was patrolling the
POL pipeline on Kunsan Air Base during the hours of darkness
when a severe explosion occurred at the pumping station in the
vicinity of his patrol. Private Ford hastened to the scene
of the blast to find the area engulfed in a rapidly spreading
fire fed by high octane gasoline from a ruptured main.
Hearing cries for help from the adjacent work area, Private
Ford, after being warned that the marsh was covered with gas and
that the flames from the pumping station were liable to spread
to the marsh at any moment, voluntarily and with complete
disregard for his own safety and the dangers of intense heat,
explosion, and spreading fire, waded into the gasoline covered
marsh water and single-handedly located and carried a seriously
injured airman to safety. Private Ford then assisted in
the evacuation of the injured man to the Base hospital.
Private Ford's unselfishness, initiative, and prompt courageous
action saved the airman from possible death by drowning or fire
from the spreading gasoline-fed flames, reflecting great credit
on himself and the military service.
Freyser, William O.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 42 - 4 October 1966
Staff Sergeant William O. Freyser, United States Army, while
serving as an Assistant Field Advisor, Special Forces Group
(Airborne) with the Republic of Korea Army, distinguished
himself by heroism in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea on 3
November 1965. Sergeant Freyser was participating in a
practice parachute jump when some of the jumpers landed in the
deep and dangerous waters of the Han River. As one of the
last to leave the aircraft, he managed to land on the bank of
the river. Quickly unharnessing himself from his
equipment, he disregarded his own safety, plunged into the
water, and swam as fast as he could to aid a Korean soldier who
was being submerged by the pull of his parachute and heavy
combat equipment. Despite the strong current, Sergeant
Freyser reached the stricken man and pulled him to shallow water
in time to prevent a drowning. Sergeant Freyser's heroic
conduct and profound concern for his fellow man are in the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great
credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Garcia, Raymond Jr.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 42 - 7 November 1960
Private First Class Raymond Garcia, Jr., United States Army,
a member of Battery "B", 1st Howitzer Battalion (8"), 17th
Artillery, distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of
the village of Sarang-Ni near the Han Tan Chon River in Korea,
on 24 May 1960. While undergoing unit practice for
the annual battery test, Private Garcia was informed that a
field mine had accidentally exploded and seriously injured three
Republic of Korea civilians. When a request for assistance
was made in behalf of the victims, Private Garcia immediately
volunteered his services. With full knowledge that the
area at the scene of the explosion contained armed mines, and
despite the existing possibility of a mine detonating in the
field at any time, he moved back and forth across the mine field
and administered first aid until a helicopter arrived to
evacuate the injured Korean national to a hospital. He
remained with the victims of the explosion and accompanied them
to the hospital in the helicopter. The complete disregard
which Private Garcia displayed for his own personal safety, and
the unselfish and courageous action which he manifested by
risking his life in this dangerous emergency are in the most
cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflect
distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
Hailey, Charles E.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 39 - 31 July 1957
Private First Class Charles E. Hailey, Ordnance Corps, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on 2 August
1956 at Pusan, Korea. When PFC Hailey received word
that a group of people were in distress on a point of land at
Heunde Beach, Pusan, Korea, he promptly proceeded to the scene
with his commanding officer and other personnel from his unit.
He found that a huge wave in the wake of a typhoon had washed
several persons into the sea and they were being drowned by the
raging surf. PFC Hailey, with the help of several enlisted
men, attempted to throw a rope to one of the drowning victims.
This required him to climb down a jutting cliff where waves were
breaking ferociously against the rocks. Realizing the
futility of their efforts, PFC Hailey and the others decided to
return to higher ground. As they proceeded up the cliff,
one of the waves swept PFC Hailey and a companion off their
feet. PFC Hailey pulled himself to safety, sustaining a
fractured ankle and a chipped elbow, while his companion was
washed off the rocks and drowned in the sea. PFC Hailey's
heroic actions in the emergency reflect the highest credit on
himself and the United States Army.
Haws, John C.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 1 - 8 January 1960
Private First Class John C. Haws, Military Police Corps,
United States Army, a member of Eighth United States Army Sentry
Dog Detachment, distinguished himself by heroism on 10 July
1959 at Kunsan, Korea. Private Haws was
patrolling the POL pipeline on Kunsan Air Base during the hours
of darkness when a severe explosion occurred at the pumping
station in the vicinity of his patrol. Private Haws
hastened to the scene of the blast to find the area engulfed in
a rapidly spreading fire fed by high octane gasoline from a
ruptured main. Hearing cries for help from the adjacent
marsh area, Private Haws, voluntarily, and with complete
disregard for his own safety and the danger of intense heat,
explosion, and spreading fire, waded into the gasoline covered
marsh water and, with the help of a comrade, located and carried
a seriously injured airman to safety. He then, with a
comrade, commandeered an Air Force vehicle to assist in the
evacuation of the injured man to the Base hospital.
Private Haws' unselfishness, initiative, and prompt courageous
action saved the airman from possible death by drowning or fire
from the spreading gasoline-fed flames, reflecting great credit
on himself and the military service.
Hladki, Anthony P.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 9 - 8 March 1966
Private First class Anthony P. Hladki, United States Army,
while serving as a member of Company C, 802d Engineer Battalion
(Construction), distinguished himself by heroism on the night of
21 July 1965, near Seoul, Korea. Private Hladki was
working at a ferry site during a flood of the Han River when he
heard screams and saw a Korean girl struggling in the swift
current of the river. With complete disregard for his own
safety, he rushed into the deep, turbulent stream fully clothed
and wearing web equipment to rescue the girl. Through his
determination, he succeeded in reaching her and bringing her to
the safety of the shore where first aid treatment was quickly
administered prior to her rapid evacuation to a local hospital.
Private Hladki's deep concern for the welfare of others and
heroic and prompt actions in this emergency are in the highest
traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit
upon himself and the military service.
Hoffman, David A.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the
Soldier's Medal to Specialist Fourth Class David A. Hoffman,
United States Army, for heroism above and beyond the call on
duty on 7 December 1979. While on a civil police patrol
in the demilitarized zone near Panmunjom, Republic of Korea, the
patrol became disoriented in heavy fog and crossed into an
unmarked minefield. In the resulting explosions, one soldier was
killed and two injured. Specialist Hoffman distinguished
himself, voluntarily risking his life, by moving forward through
the extremely dangerous minefield to administer life-saving
first aid and carry a critically injured soldier to safety.
Specialist Hoffman's heroism is in keeping with the finest
traditions of the military service and reflects great credit
upon himself and the United States Army.
Howard, Alfred L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
Private First Class Alfred L. Howard, Infantry, United States
Army, distinguished himself by heroism on the night of 22
February 1957, in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, when the
C-124 aircraft on which he was a passenger developed engine
trouble shortly after takeoff and crash-landed on a sandbar in
the Han River, bursting into flames on impact. Private
Howard, with complete disregard for his own life, voluntarily
returned to the burning aircraft in search of survivors.
He aided in the rescue of an Air Force Sergeant, who was lying
near the plane, despite constant danger from the flames and the
threat of explosion. After removing the injured man, he
continued his rescue work by helping to load survivors on
helicopters that had been sent to the area. His repeated trips
to the plane constantly places his life in peril and the threat
of being swept into the freezing water was imminent. The
additional danger created by numerous helicopters hovering
overhead seeking landing sites posed a threat of grave personal
injury. Private Howard continued his heroic efforts until
all had been removed to safety. His prompt and courageous
action in the face of extreme danger reflect great credit on
himself and the United States Army.
Undated News Clipping - "Private First class Alfred L.
Howard, nephew of Mrs. Maggie B. Close, Berkeley Springs, was
awarded the Soldier's Medal at a recent review at Fort Knox,
Kentucky, for his efforts during a plane crash last February in
Korea.
Pfc. Howard, disregarding his own safety, assisted in the
removal of a number of wounded men from the crashed and burning
C-124 Globemaster which went down between Seoul and Inchon.
The plane was flying to Japan from Korea with 159 men aboard
when one of the engines exploded four minutes after take-off.
The Soldier's Medal is one of the nation's highest peacetime
awards. Howard is presently assigned to Headquarters Company,
2nd Battalion, 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Ft. Knox."
Hurley, Lawrence J.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 220 - 20 June 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the
Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Lawrence J. Hurley (ASN:
US-51180120), United States Army, for heroism not involving
actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving
with Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in
action on 6 May 1953, in the vicinity of Sachong-Ni,
North Korea. While swimming in a river with other members of his
company, Private Hurley immediately responded to a cry for help
from a comrade who was struggling in the water near the opposite
shore. Without hesitation and disregarding his own personal
safety, Private Hurley set out across the rushing current to the
aid of his comrade who was in serious trouble. The swift,
dangerous current had already thwarted the efforts of one
would-be-rescuer and by the time Private Hurley reached him, his
comrade was unconscious and disappearing under the water.
Struggling against the force of the river, Private Hurley
grabbed and managed to hold his comrade's head above the water
and bring him to safer water where they both were aided to shore
by others. The unselfish actions and heroism of Private Hurley
saved a soldier's life and reflect great credit upon himself and
the military service.
Jackson, Eurvee Jr. (posthumous)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 2 - 14 January 1963
Private Eurvee Jackson, Jr., RA16733348, Transportation
Corps, United States Army, Company C, 17th Transportation
Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by
heroism on 12 September 1962, in Korea. Private
Jackson was participating in an armored personnel carrier driver
training exercise when the amphibious vehicle he was driving was
caught in the rapid current of the Hantan River. As the
vehicle was swept downstream and struck a rock, a fellow soldier
was thrown into the treacherous river. Knowing that the
soldier could not swim, Private Jackson immediately, and with
complete disregard for his own personal safety, jumped out of
the driver's hatch and into the river to aid him. In his
attempt to rescue his comrade, he was caught in the strong
current and disappeared beneath the water. Private
Jackson's courageous act of self-sacrifice is in the highest
traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit
upon himself and the military service.
James, Elmus V.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
Private First class Elmus V. James, Infantry, United States
Army, distinguished himself heroically on the night of 22
February 1957 in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, when the
C-124 aircraft on which he was a passenger developed engine
trouble shortly after takeoff and crash-landed on a sandbar in
the Han River, bursting into flames on impact. Ignoring
his own personal safety and with complete disregard for his own
life, he assisted injured survivors in the vicinity of the
burning aircraft, carrying two of them to safety. Private
James did not heed the warnings of the copilot as to the danger
of explosion. He went within the vicinity of the burning
aircraft in order to ascertain if any individuals were trapped
inside. After the explosion he continued to help others
less fortunate than himself despite the ever present danger to
his own life from working in the steadily rising and fast
flowing tide waters. Private James in the face of extreme
danger brought great credit on himself and the military service.
Johnson, Robert W.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 56 - 28 October 1957
Warrant Officer Robert W. Johnson, United States Army, 13th
Transportation Company (Light Helicopter) (H-34), distinguished
himself by heroism in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, on the night
of 22 February 1957. Warrant Officer Johnson, copilot of
an H-19 helicopter, was one of a group of helicopter pilots
assigned the mission of rescuing survivors of a C-124 aircraft
which crash-landed on a sandbar in the Han River Estuary. In a
desperate race against the rapidly rising tide waters and
mounting danger to the survivors from continued exposure to the
winter elements, he made approximately five flights to the crash
site under extremely hazardous conditions to evacuate survivors
who were huddled on the sandbar or on ice floes in the river
With practically no illumination he landed his helicopter in as
much as thirty inches of freezing water, and on one occasion
hovered sideward alongside an ice floe to pick up two survivors.
Despite the darkness, density of aircraft in the area,
inadequate landing areas at the crash site, and with full
awareness that an aircraft failure or misjudgment could result
in death or serious injury, Warrant Officer Johnson performed
his duty with exceeding dispatch and resolution, thereby
contributing immeasurably to the completely successful rescue
mission. The unhesitating and courageous action in the face of
grave danger displayed by Warrant Officer Johnson, with complete
disregard for his own safety is worthy of commendation and
reflect great credit on himself, his unit and the United States
Army.
Johnston, Douglas A.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - 4 April 1967
Sergeant Douglas A. Johnston, RA14845746, United States Army,
while serving as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, 38th Artillery Brigade, Osan Air Force Base, Korea,
distinguished himself by heroism on 23 July 1966 in
Songtan-Eup, Korea. Without hesitation or concern for his
own safety, Sergeant Johnston saved the lives of nine Korean
children who were trapped by rapidly rising water during a flood
which threatened the village of Songtan-Eup, Korea on 23 July
1966. Sergeant Johnston was passing through Songtan-Eup
when he noticed an elderly Korean frantically lifting nine
children onto the rooftop of a house to escape the flood waters.
Realizing that the water would soon engulf the house, and at the
risk of his own life, Sergeant Johnson plunged into the boiling
current to aid the trapped children. For over an hour in
the gathering darkness he carried the nine children to the
sanctuary of higher ground. Nine times he made the
dangerous trip, swimming as much as one hundred yards through
the raging current with each of the children. Sergeant
Johnston's courageous rescue saved nine lives and won him the
praise, admiration, and respect of the Korean people.
Sergeant Johnston's courage and heroic conduct in this emergency
are in the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United
States Army.
Kearney, Jerald F.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 7 - 29 January 1969
Private First class Jerald F. Kearney, RA12965437, United
States Army, while a member of Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, United States Army Security Agency Group, Korea,
distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 6 August 1968
at approximately 0900 hours. Private Kearney was a
passenger on a ferry crossing the treacherous Kum-Gang River, at
Kunsan, Korea. Upon nearing the southern dock of the ferry
crossing, Private Kearney, along with several other passengers,
observed a young Korean boy being swept downstream by the
extremely swift current and outgoing tide of the Kum-Gang River.
The boy was approximately 50 yards from the Kunsan shore and was
struggling to keep above water by flailing his arms in the air.
However, he continued to sink below the surface of the water
four or five times. Private Kearney immediately, and
without regard to his own life and safety, removed his shoes and
dove off the ferry and into the river. He swam
approximately 20 yards to the boy who was unconscious by this
time, began to tow him to shore against the adverse current, and
finally reached the shore. Although obviously fatigued
from the rescue, Private Kearney, without hesitation, began to
administer artificial respiration to the boy. His efforts
were successful, and the young boy revived after about four
minutes. Private Kearney's completely voluntary act, alert
action and complete disregard for his own personal safety
without question saved the young Korean boy's life. His
exemplary actions in risking his life above and beyond the call
of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the
United States Army.
Kepner, Robert L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 39 - 31 July 1957
Sergeant First Class Robert L. Kepner, Ordnance Corps, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on 2 August
1956 at Pusan, Korea. When Sergeant Kepner received
word that a group of people were in distress on a point of
land at Heunde Beach, Pusan, Korea, he promptly proceeded to the
scene with his commanding officer and other personnel from his
unit. He found that a huge wave in the wake of a typhoon
had washed several persons into the sea and they were being
drowned by the raging surf. Sergeant Kepner, with the help
of several enlisted men, attempted to throw a rope to one of the
drowning victims. This required him to climb down a
jutting cliff where high waves were breaking ferociously against
the rocks, placing him in great danger of being swept into the
sea. Risking his own life, he exhibited every possible
effort to complete the rescue. Sergeant Kepner's heroic
actions in the emergency reflect the highest credit on himself
and the United States Army.
La Porte, William D.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 39 - 31 July 1957
Private First Class William D. La Porte, Ordnance Corps,
United States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on 2
August 1956 at Pusan, Korea. When PFC La Porte
received word that a group of people were in distress on a point
of land at Heunde Beach, Pusan, Korea, he promptly proceeded to
the scene with his commanding officer and other personnel from
his unit. He found that a huge wave in the wake of a
typhoon had washed several persons into the sea and they were
being drowned by the raging surf. PFC La Porte, with the
help of several enlisted men, attempted to throw a rope to one
of the drowning victims. This required him to climb down a
jutting cliff where high waves were breaking ferociously against
the rocks, placing him in great danger of being swept into the
sea. Risking his own life, he exhibited every possible
effort to complete the rescue. PFC La Porte's heroic
actions in the emergency reflect the highest credit on himself
and the United States Army.
Larsen, John T.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - 4 April 1967
Staff Sergeant John T. Larsen, RA16644405, United States
Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry, 2d Infantry
Division, distinguished himself by an act of heroism at
approximately 0930 hours on 29 June 1966. While
Company C, 1st Battalion 23d Infantry was conducting an area
sweep in the third brigade sector of the demilitarized zone in
South Korea, the Commanding Officer of Company C, discovered
that one platoon of his company had entered an unmarked mine
field. Two members of that company had received traumatic
amputations by mine explosions and were lying in the mine field.
Upon discovering their location, the Company Commander attempted
to reach the injured men by using an alternate route. Upon
attempting to reach the injured men, the Company Commander also
stepped on a mine and was severely injured. As he fell,
Staff Sergeant Larsen, with total disregard for his own life and
knowing that he was in danger of grievous bodily harm, rushed
into the mine field and pulled the Company Commander out.
Staff Sergeant Larsen's voluntary action in disregarding his own
safety in order to care for a fellow soldier was in the highest
tradition of the military service and reflects great credit upon
himself, his unit and the United States Army. (This award
supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Sergeant
Larsen for heroism on 29 June 1966, as announced in General
Orders Number 109, Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, dated 25
July 1966.)
Lembke, Charles H.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 43 - 4 December 1959
Sergeant Charles H. Lembke, a member of Headquarters Battery,
7th Infantry Division Artillery, distinguished himself by
heroism on 11 June 1959. Sergeant Lembke was in the
process of coupling a 2 1/2-ton truck and a radar tracker when
the tracker moved forward and threatened to crush a Korean
soldier assisting him in this duty. Quickly realizing that
the Korean soldier was frozen with fear and unable to move,
Sergeant Lembke immediately jumped over the tongue of the
tracker mount and, without concern for his own personal safety,
pushed the dazed man free of the closing vehicles. In
performing his heroic action, Sergeant Lembke was caught between
the two heavy vehicles and received severe bruises and
lacerations about the chest. His courageous efforts saved
the Korean solider from death by preventing him from being
crushed around the face and head. The unselfish concern,
fearlessness, and quick presence of mind displayed by Sergeant
Lembke in this sudden emergency are worthy of emulation, and
reflect distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Lotson, James A. Jr.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 61 - October 17, 1955 The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class James
A. Lotson, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed
enemy as a member of the 43d Transportation Company (Light Truck), 69th Transportation Battalion, (Truck),
on 12 April 1955. At approximately 0900 hours, Private Lotson, a truck driver, observed a fire
burning around the gas tank of his vehicle. At this time Private Lotson's vehicle was parked immediately
beside an ammunition storage Quonset and was loaded with 500 rounds of 60-mm mortar ammunition. The
ammunition storage Quonset, one of seven similar Quonsets in the immediate vicinity, contained 50 tons of
ammunition. Private Lotson immediately tried to extinguish the fire with sand but to no avail. Private
Lotson, without regard for his personal safety, entered his vehicle and drove it approximately 100 yards
away from the area and then ran for cover. The ammunition on the vehicle then exploded completely destroying
the vehicle. Private Lotson's heroic action, in addition to preventing the loss of approximately 350 tons of
ammunition stored in the Quonsets very possibly saved the lives of American soldiers and Korean service
personnel working in the vicinity.
Luchau, Galen L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 25 - 27 June 1956
Specialist Third Class Galen L. Luchau, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism near South Wolmi-do Island,
Inchon Port, Korea, on 3 October 1955. As a landing craft
approached the island, a sudden jarring of the boat flung a crew
member into the deep, choppy water. Realizing that the
darkness of the night made immediate action imperative,
Specialist Luchau unhesitatingly kicked off his shoes, plunged
into the water and swam to the rescue of the unconscious man.
Supporting the limp crewman, he struggled to keep afloat as the
swift tide threatened to sweep them out to sea. After some
minutes his calls for help attracted the attention of others in
the boat who tossed him a life jacket and directed the coxswain
to turn back. Specialist Luchau's courageous and unselfish
action reflects utmost credit on himself and upholds the
esteemed traditions of the military service.
McAnelly, Terry L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 38 - 18 September 1967
Sergeant Terry L. McAnelly, US53407279, United States Army,
who distinguished himself by heroism on 22 March 1967,
while serving as an Assistant Section Sergeant of the United
States Army Support Group, Joint Security Area, Panmunjom,
Korea. At the conclusion of the Military Armistice
Commission meeting being held at Panmunjom, Korea, Mr. Su Kun
Yi, Vice Chief of the official North Korean Central News Agency,
entered the U.S. Army sedan Sergeant McAnelly was driving,
seeking transportation to South Korea. Without thought for
his own safety, Sergeant McAnelly immediately drove from the
Joint Security Area amid a fusillade of small arms fire from the
North Korean guards and unhesitatingly crashed through a North
Korean barrier en route to the United States Ay Support Group
Advance Camp. His quick reaction and expert driving were
instrumental in the successful flight of Mr. Yi to South Korea.
Sergeant McAnelly's heroic conduct is not only in the highest
tradition of the United States Army and reflects great credit
upon himself and the Military Service but greatly enhanced the
image of his unit and the United Nations Command.
Modjeska, Gerald S.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders 315 - 14 August 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the
Soldier's Medal to First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Gerald S.
Modjeska (ASN: 0-2097221), United States Army, for heroism not
involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as
a member of the Medical Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d
Infantry Division, in action on 28 July 1953, in the
vicinity of Ansan, North Korea. On that date, Lieutenant
Modjeska was serving in the Battalion Aid Station when a
tremendous explosion occurred in a nearby ammunition dump,
inflicting heavy casualties. He immediately rushed to the scene
of action and upon arrival, began to render prompt medical
attention to the injured men. Although the area in which he
worked was being constantly showered by shrapnel from exploding
mortar rounds, grenades and small arms ammunition, he worked
unceasingly to care for the wounded. Despite near exhaustion, he
administered first aid until all the wounded had been treated
and evacuated. Lieutenant Modjeska's heroic actions were
instrumental in saving the lives of many men and reflect great
credit upon himself and the military service.
Moller, Elmer R.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 50 - 26 September 1968
First Lieutenant Elmer R. Moller, OF110136, Military
Intelligence, United States Army, a member of Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry (Mechanized),
who, through a heroic effort that endangered his own life, was
largely responsible for saving the life of a member of his unit
on 29 March 1968. The victim, having become stuck
in the quick-sand like mud near the Imjin River, was soon
engulfed in the rapidly rising tide of the river. When it
became apparent that the man could not be pulled free by
ordinary means, Lieutenant Moller, realizing he could himself
become trapped in the mud, entered the water to the point where
the man was rapidly sinking. Lieutenant Moller remained
with the victim for one and one-half hours, at times
disappearing from sight in the rising tide, in an effort to keep
the victim from going below the river's surface. Due
largely to his efforts, he and the victim were eventually pulled
from the deadly trap by a rescue helicopter. Lieutenant
Moller's heroic effort served as an inspiration to more than a
score of rescuers on the scene and brought great credit to
himself and the military service. (This award supersedes
the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Lieutenant Moller as
announced in General Orders Number 89, Headquarters, Eighth
United States Army, APO San Francisco 96301, dated 7 June 1968.)
Moon, Eugene L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 10 - 21 March 1956
Master Sergeant Eugene L. Moon, Medical Corps, United States
Army, distinguished himself by heroism while a member of
Detachment I (Provisional), 8202d Army Unit, Headquarters,
United States Military Advisory Group to the Republic of Korea,
on 6 August 1955. While Sergeant Moon was dining at
the Enlisted Men's Club, a member of his detachment, who had
been reprimanded and evicted from the club a short time before
for violating club rules returned to the club armed with a
revolver. Brandishing his weapon, the belligerent soldier
commanded everyone to remain seated. One man who stood up
was promptly fired upon and slightly wounded. Sergeant
Moon, realizing that others might be seriously wounded or
killed, ordered the soldier to surrender his weapon. When
he refused to obey, Sergeant Moon, with complete disregard for
his own safety, leaped to his feet and attempted to wrest the
pistol from him. During the ensuing struggle, Sergeant
Moon, with complete disregard for his own safety, leaped to his
feet and attempted to wrest the pistol from him. During
the ensuing struggle, Sergeant Moon was fired upon at close
range and seriously wounded. Sergeant Moon's heroic action
undoubtedly saved others in the group from serious injury and
possible death, reflecting great credit on himself and upholding
the esteemed traditions of the military service.
Morris, William E.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 42 - 7 November 1960
Private First Class William E. Morris, United States Army, a
member of Battery "B", 1st Howitzer Battalion (8"), 17th
Artillery, distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of
the village of Sarang-Ni near the Han Tan Chon River in Korea,
on 24 May 1960. While undergoing unit practice for
the annual battery test, Private Morris was informed that a
field mine had accidentally exploded and seriously injured three
Republic of Korea civilians. When a request for assistance
was made in behalf of the victims, Private Morris immediately
volunteered his services. With full knowledge that the area at
the scene of the explosion contained armed mines, and despite
the existing possibility of a mine detonating in the field at
any time, he assisted in the evacuation of the injured Korean
nations, and aided Republic of Korea Army soldiers in
controlling civilians in the vicinity. The complete
disregard which Private Morris displayed for his own personal
safety, and the unselfish and courageous actions which he
manifested by risking his life in this dangerous emergency are
in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and
reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
Mozenier, Gerald W. (8075 Army Unit)
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 61 - 17 October 1955
Corporal Gerald W. Mozenier, Corps of Engineers, United
States Army, a member of the Engineer Fire Fighting Company,
8075th Army Unit, distinguished himself by heroism in Pusan,
Korea, on 18 August 1954. Corporal Mozenier was
inspecting fire fighting equipment near the pier at Pusan Harbor
when he and a comrade observed unusual actions of a young Korean
girl on the sea wall and, realizing she contemplated suicide,
they immediately approached her in an attempt to prevent her
from leaping into the sea. Unheeding their efforts to dissuade
her she broke away from them and threw herself into the water,
at that time whipped into lashing waves and treacherous currents
by the high winds of "Typhoon Grace." Without hesitation and
with complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Mozenier
plunged into the turbulent waters fully clothed, swam to the
stricken girl, and pulled her to safety. His prompt and
courageous action in the face of danger undoubtedly saved the
life of the Korean national and elicited deep respect and high
commendation from his comrades and the people of Korea. Corporal
Mozenier's courageous action reflects great credit on himself
and upholds the esteemed traditions of the military service.
Papizan, Ronnie A.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - 10 April 1962
Private First Class Ronnie A. Papizan, RA14709368, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on 19 October
1961, in Korea while assigned to Company A, 13th Signal
Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. While assisting in the
installation of a telephone drop wire, Private Papizan observed
that soldier working on a nearby pole had come in contact with
overhead high voltage lines and could not free himself.
Fully aware that he too would come in contact with the high
voltage through the body of the trapped soldier, he
unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own personal
safety, climbed the pole and grasped the feet of the victim,
causing both bodies to fall free of the pole and power lines.
Although the rescued soldier was safely hurled to grass below,
Private Papizan sustained severe injuries when his head struck a
concrete sidewalk. Private Papizan's exceptional courage
and heroic action in the face of grave personal risk saved the
life of his fellow soldier, and reflect great credit on himself
and the military service. (This award supersedes so much
of General Orders Number 149, Headquarters 1st Cavalry Division,
dated 28 November 1961, as pertains to the previous award of the
Army Commendation Medal to Private Papizan for meritorious
achievement on 19 October 1961.)
Pataky, Ernest J.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 315 - 14 August 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the
Soldier's Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ernest J. Pataky
(ASN: 0-1925444), United States Army, for heroism not involving
actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member
of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in
action on 28 July 1953, in the vicinity of Ansan, North
Korea. On that date, at approximately 1555 hours, an explosion
occurred in an ammunition dump, inflicting numerous casualties.
Lieutenant Pataky, showing complete disregard for personal
safety, rushed into the holocaust, and seeming oblivious to the
flying shrapnel about him, worked persistently in the area
searching for injured men and carrying them to safety and
medical attention. Only after he was certain that all the
wounded had been safely evacuated did he leave the danger area.
His prompt and unhesitating actions in the face of grave danger,
undoubtedly saved the lives of many seriously wounded men.
Lieutenant Pataky's courage and devotion to comrades reflect
great credit upon himself and the military service.
Perkins, Walter B.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 5 - 9 February 1962
Specialist Four Walter B. Perkins, RA17539659, United States
Army, a member of Combat Support Company, 1st Battle Group, 7th
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, distinguished himself by heroism
on 24 September 1961, in Korea. While boating on
the Yong-ju Gol reservoir Specialist Perkins sighted a young
Korean girl struggling in deep waters approximately seventy-five
yards off shore. Displaying remarkable composure and
complete disregard for his own safety he plunged into the waters
fully clothes and swam to her. In the ensuing struggle she
pulled Specialist Perkins under water and fought off his
attempts to rescue her. Despite this vigorous resistance
Specialist Perkins managed to free himself and calm the girl.
As he towed her towards shore a boy in a small boat rowed out to
meet them. Specialist Perkins assisted in placing the
victim in the boat. Realizing that this small craft would
sink if overloaded by his weight specialist Perkins, although
exhausted, swam to shore without assistance. Specialist
Perkins' alertness, prompt action and disregard of his personal
safety in this emergency reflect great credit on himself and are
in the highest traditions of the military service. (This
award supersedes so much of General Orders Number 14,
Headquarters 1st Cavalry Division, dated 3 November 1961, as
pertains to previous award of the Army Commendation Medal to
Specialist Perkins for meritorious achievement on 24 September
1961.)
Piech, John F.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 42 - 7 November 1960
Specialist Four John F. Piech, United States Army, a member
of Battery "B", 1st Howitzer Battalion (8"), 17th Artillery,
distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of the village
of Sarang-Ni near the Han Tan Chon River in Korea, on 24 May
1960. While undergoing unit practice for the annual
battery test, Specialist Piech was informed that a field mine
had accidentally exploded and seriously injured three Republic
of Korea civilians. When a request was made for assistance
in behalf of the victims, Specialist Piech immediately
volunteered his services. With full knowledge that the
area at the scene of the explosion contained armed mines, and
despite the existing possibility of a mine detonating in the
field at any time, he assisted in the evacuation of the injured
Korean nationals, and aided Republic of Korea Army soldiers in
controlling civilians in the vicinity. The complete
disregard which Specialist Piech displayed for his own personal
safety, and the unselfish and courageous actions which he
manifested by risking his life in this dangerous emergency are
in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and
reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
Povsha, Robert J.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 360 - 3 September 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by
Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the
Soldier's Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert J. Povsha
(ASN: 0-2096962), United States Army, for heroism not involving
actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving
with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division, in action on 28 July 1953, in the vicinity
of Ansan, North Korea. On the afternoon of that date, an
explosion occurred, causing several casualties. Lieutenant
Povsha, the Battalion Adjutant, went to the scene of the
accident to obtain information covering casualty reports.
Seeming oblivious to the still flying shrapnel and realizing the
dire need for assistance, he volunteered to aid in the
evacuation of the wounded. Not until he was assured that all the
wounded had been safely evacuated and he had a complete report
did he leave the danger area. His prompt and unhesitating
actions in the face of grave danger undoubtedly saved the lives
of many comrades. Lieutenant Povsha's heroic actions reflect
great credit upon himself and the military service.
Reasonover, George D.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 14 - 19 April 1956
Captain George D. Reasonover, Corps of Engineers, United
States Army, while a member of Company C, 3d Engineers
Battalion, distinguished himself by heroism in Korea, on 25
June 1955. During the torrential summer rains, a
pontoon bridge was ripped from its moorings, swirled adrift and
lodged against the abutments of Libby Bridge, a vital
communications link spanning the swollen Imjin River in flood
stage. Trees, timber, and other debris were collecting
rapidly, and the tremendous pressure and vibration posed an
imminent threat to the structural integrity of the piers.
After reconnoitering the situation and procuring explosives,
Captain Reasonover voluntarily elected to be lowered to the
twisting, lurching bridge in an effort to blast it free.
Despite the hazards of the elements, slippery footing, and the
swift current canting the floating bridge to a 40 degree angle
during the operation, Captain Reasonover worked for more than an
hour placing and resetting the charges to where they could be
primed for detonation. As a result of his prompt,
courageous actions the pontoon bridge was blown free and drifted
downstream where it was reclaimed, and Libby Bridge escaped
without damage. Captain Reasonover's exemplary conduct
reflects utmost credit on himself and upholds the traditions of
the military service.
Rhinehart, James W.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
Captain James W. Rhinehart, Transportation Corps, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of
Seoul, Korea, on the night of 22 February 1957.
Captain Rhinehart was one of a group of helicopter pilots
assigned the mission of rescuing survivors of a C-124 aircraft
which crash-landed in the Han River Estuary. In a
desperate race against the rapidly rising tide waters and a
mounting danger to the survivors from continued exposure to the
winter elements he made approximately five flights to the crash
site under extremely hazardous conditions to evacuate survivors
who were huddled on the sandbar on ice floes in the river.
With practically no illumination he landed his helicopter in as
much as 30 inches of freezing water, and on one occasion hovered
sideward alongside an ice floe to pick up two survivors.
Despite the darkness, density of aircraft in the air, inadequate
landing areas at the crash site, and with a full awareness that
an aircraft failure or misjudgment could result in his death or
serious injury, Captain Rhinehart resolutely and unhesitatingly
performed his duty, thereby contributing immeasurably to the
completely successful rescue mission. His unhesitating and
courageous action in the face of grave danger, coupled with
complete disregard for his own safety, reflects great credit on
himself, his unit, and the military service.
Rhodes, Ivory
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 61 - 17 October 1955
Corporal Ivory Rhodes, United States Army, distinguished
himself by heroism in the vicinity of Pusan, Korea, on 8
April 1955. On that day, a gasoline tractor-trailer
with a defective float on the pump pipes was brought into the
motor pool for repairs. While repairing the defective
mechanism, the driver of the vehicle was overcome by gasoline
fumes and lost consciousness in the tank. The assistant
driver who had entered the tank to rescue the unconscious man
had also been overcome by the fumes. Although he realized
the risk of his own life, Corporal Rhodes entered the
fume-filled gasoline tank through the narrow opening at the top
in an attempt to rescue his two comrades. Through resolute
effort, Corporal Rhodes succeeded in rescuing the assistant
driver and was himself nearly overcome by fumes. The
intrepid actions of Corporal Rhodes Resulted in the saving of
his comrade's life, reflecting great credit on himself and
upholding the highest traditions of the military service.
Riggs, Bobby O.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 42 - 7 November 1960
Private First Class Bobby O. Riggs, United States Army, a
member of Battery "B", 1st Howitzer Battalion (8"), 17th
Artillery, distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of
the village of Sarang-Ni near the Han Tan Chon River in Korea,
on 24 May 1960. While undergoing unit practice for
the annual battery test, Private Riggs was informed that a field
mine had accidentally exploded and seriously injured three
Republic of Korea civilians. When a request for assistance
was made in behalf of the victims, Private Riggs immediately
volunteered his services. With full knowledge that the
area at the scene of the explosion contained armed mines, and
despite the existing possibility of a mine detonating in the
field at any time, he assisted in the evacuation of the injured
Korean nationals, and aided Republic of Korea Army soldiers in
controlling civilians in the vicinity. The complete
disregard which Private Riggs displayed for his own personal
safety, and the unselfish and courageous actions which he
manifested by risking his life in this dangerous emergency are
in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and
reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
Rohr, William J.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 19 - 28 May 1965
Specialist Four William J. Rohr, Army Medical Service (then
Private First class), United States Army, distinguished himself
by heroism while serving as a member of Headquarters Troop, 1st
Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, on 2 April 1964,
near the Demilitarized Zone, Korea. When notified that a
soldier had been injured by a mine, Specialist Rohr
unhesitatingly proceeded to the minefield to participate in the
medical evacuation of the wounded man. Upon arriving at
the scene, he left his litter jeep at the fence, bravely
traversed the live minefield, and reached the injured man who
was located approximately fifty feet inside the mined area.
With the assistance of another medical man on the scene, he
helped place the injured soldier on the litter, made his way
through the uncleared minefield, and succeeded in carrying the
wounded man to the litter jeep for transportation to the
dispensary. Specialist Rohr's deep concern for a fellow
soldier and heroic actions under these hazardous circumstances
are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and
reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
(This award supersedes the Award of the Army Commendation Medal
to Specialist Rohr for heroism on 2 April 1964 as announced in
General Orders No. 101, Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
dated 30 July 1964.)
Rout, Ronald A.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 56 - 28 October 1957
Private First Class Ronald A. Rout, Army Medical Service, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism following the
crash-landing of a C-124 aircraft on a sandbar in the Han River
Estuary on 22 February 1957. After the crash-landing he
assembled injured personnel, collected dry clothing and treated
the survivors for shock and exposure to the icy water. The
immediate and effective assistance rendered by Private Rout
prior to the arrival of qualified medical personnel prevented
serious injury to many of the survivors. His unselfish and
heroic actions were accomplished with compete disregard for his
own safety or comfort and were rendered exceedingly difficult
because of freezing cold, darkness and danger of being swept
into the current by the steadily rising and fast flowing tide
waters. Debris scattered about the crash site and jagged edges
on the plane created an additional hazard to his personal
safety. Private Rout's exemplary action during this hazardous
incident is indicative of a high degree of leadership ability
and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Sanchez, Librado P.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 39 - 31 July 1957
Sergeant First Class Librado P. Sanchez, Army Medical
Service, United States Army, Chief Technician, Aid Station, 1st
Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself by
heroism near Ou-Dong, Korea, on 4 November 1956.
Upon learning that a fellow soldier had stepped on an
anti-personnel mine and lay injured in an uncharted minefield,
Sergeant Sanchez immediately proceeded to the scene of the
accident. Despite the lack of a safe lane or mine
detector, he courageously entered the hazardous area, made his
precarious way to the suffering man and stemmed profuse bleeding
by means of a tourniquet. After administering emergency
first aid, he assisted in evacuating the helpless man by litter
to an awaiting ambulance for removal to a collecting station for
further treatment. Sergeant Sanchez' quick thinking and
valorous actions resulted in the saving of a comrade's life,
reflecting utmost credit on himself and the military service.
Sarajian, Robert B.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 18 - 18 April 1967
Captain Robert B. Sarajian, 05292298, Medical Corps, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism at Camp Young,
Korea on 23 December 1966 while serving as Battalion
Surgeon, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry, 2d Infantry Division.
On this date he was on duty at the Camp Young Dispensary, when
upon hearing a commotion outside, he left the dispensary to
investigate. He observed a crowd of personnel around a
telephone pole and a ladder leading up to a platform which was
affixed to the telephone wires and the pole. There were
two soldiers on the platform, one of them lying flat on the
platform with his feet entangled in the high tension wires and
apparently seriously injured. Thinking only of rendering
medical assistance and with complete disregard of his own
safety, Captain Sarajian proceeded to climb the swaying ladder.
Upon reaching the platform, he discovered that the man had been
accidentally electrocuted and had no pulse. He then
administered cardiac resuscitation and managed to carry the
soldier to the ground where he performed artificial respiration
and transferred him to the dispensary. His quick thinking
and prompt action enabled him to save the life of the injured
soldier. Captain Sarajian's gallantry and heroic action in
the face of danger is in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the
2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army. (This
award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal for
heroism on 23 December 1966, as announced in General Orders
Number 21, Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, dated 1 February
1967.)
Scanella, Salvatore A.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 43 - 27 September 1963
Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Scanella, United States Army,
while a member of Company A, 8th Engineer Battalion
(Construction), 1st Cavalry Division, Eighth United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism on 6 March 1963, in
Korea. Sergeant Scanella unhesitatingly volunteered to
transverse a mine field to rescue a soldier who was seriously
wounded by a mine explosion. During more than one hour of
extremely hazardous efforts in clearing a lane to the injured
soldier, Sergeant Scanella and his comrades located and disarmed
numerous mines. When he and the other members of the
rescue party had advanced to within approximately twenty meters
of the injured soldier, a helicopter lowered a sling in an
attempt to airlift him from the dangerous area. Observing
that the soldier was too weak to tie himself securing to the
sling and was in danger of falling or rolling onto other mines,
Sergeant Scanella, with complete disregard for his own personal
safety, rushed through the remaining distance of the un-cleared
mine field, and assisted him into the sling. Sergeant
Scanella's heroic action, devotion to duty, and deep concern for
a fellow soldier are in the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit on himself and the United
States Army. (This award supersedes the award of the Army
Commendation Medal to Sergeant Scanella for heroism on 6 March
1963, in Korea, as announced in General Orders Number 84,
Headquarters, Eighth United States Army, dated 15 May 1963.)
Scarborough, John R.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
First Lieutenant John R. Scarborough, Infantry, United States
Army, distinguished himself by heroism on 22 February 1957,
near Seoul, Korea. When the C-124 "Globemaster" on which
he was a passenger developed engine trouble resulting in a
crash-landing in the Han River, approximately 25 miles northwest
of Seoul, Lieutenant Scarborough despite sustaining several
burns during landing, immediately began assisting survivors.
Upon being advised of the extent of the burns which he could not
see, and being further advised to seek medical treatment,
Lieutenant Scarborough ignored the advice and continued to
assist survivors who were helpless in the vicinity of the
burning aircraft. Ignoring the danger of imminent
explosion, Lieutenant Scarborough personally carried three
victims to safety, and directed others to assist in carrying
others. When the engine did explode, covering the aircraft
and immediate vicinity with fire so that nothing further could
be done, Lieutenant Scarborough proceeded to supervise the
evacuation of survivors by helicopter. Despite the
severity of his burns, Lieutenant Scarborough refused evacuation
until all other injured, many with lesser injuries, were
evacuated. Throughout the emergency he ignored personal
hazard and danger to his own life by approaching the burning
aircraft to evacuate helpless survivors. His aggressive
action, sound judgment, and personal bravery were an inspiration
to fellow passengers and undoubtedly saved lives that would
otherwise have been lost. The heroism displayed by
Lieutenant Scarborough on this occasion reflects great credit on
himself and the military service.
Sligh, David E. Jr.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 10 - 21 March 1956
Private First Class David E. Sligh, Jr., United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism near Camp Saint Barbara, Korea,
on 31 July 1955. Plunging from a cable supporting a
pontoon bridge into the torrential, rain-swollen Young P'yung
Chun River, a Korean soldier clung to an anchor line in a
desperate attempt to keep afloat, but appeared too weak to put
on the life preserver thrown to him by means of a guy line.
Observing that the struggling man was near exhaustion and
beginning to panic, Private Sligh volunteered to go to his aid
before the swift current swept him downstream. After
donning a life preserver he was lowered into the swirling,
turbulent water by a wire tied to his belt. He edged
toward the floundering man, and succeeded in securing him with
the wire. When the men on the bridge attempted to pull
both men upstream, the tremendous pressure snapped Private
Sligh's belt buckle, leaving him stranded with the helpless
soldier. Although Private Sligh's own strength was waning
fast, he gallantly held the man's head above water and clung to
the anchor line for more than 30 minutes until his comrades
could obtain and toss him a rope to effect the rescue.
Private Sligh's valorous conduct and intrepid actions were
instrumental in saving the life of the Korean soldier,
reflecting utmost credit on himself and upholding the honored
traditions of the military service.
Smith, James W.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 15 - 28 April 1965
Specialist Four James W. Smith, Army Medical Service, (then
Private First Class), United States Army, distinguished himself
by heroism while serving as a member of Headquarters Troop, 1st
Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, on 2 April 1964,
near the Demilitarized Zone, Korea. When notified that a
soldier had been injured by a mine, Specialist Smith
unhesitatingly proceeded to the minefield to participate in the
medical evacuation of the wounded man. Upon arriving at
the scene, he left his litter jeep at the fence, bravely
traversed the live minefield, and reached the injured man who
was located approximately fifty feet inside the mined area.
With the assistance of another medical man on the scene, he
helped place the injured soldier on the litter, made his way
through the uncleared minefield, and succeeded in carrying the
wounded man to the litter jeep for transportation to the
dispensary. Specialist Smith's deep concern for a fellow
soldier and heroic actions under these hazardous circumstances
are in the highest traditions of the service. (This award
supersedes the award of the Army Commendation Medal to
Specialist Smith for heroism on 2 April 1964 as announced in
General Orders Number 101, Headquarters 1st Cavalry division,
dated 30 July 1964.)
Smith, John H.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 2 - 12 January 1966
Specialist Five John H. Smith, (then Private First class),
United States Army, while serving as a member of Company C, 7th
Medical Battalion, United States Forces, distinguished himself
by heroism on 10 January 1965, in Korea. Specialist
Smith unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in a rescue
mission when he learned that a fellow soldier had accidentally
stepped on a live mine, was seriously wounded, and trapped in
the minefield. When the injured man was unable to hold on
to a rope extended by an evacuation helicopter hovering over the
minefield, Specialist Smith, followed by two soldiers carrying a
stretcher, proceeded down a bank of a creek to get as close as
possible to the victim. After placing the stretcher on the
bank and crawling to the end of it, he was still 6 feet away
from the wounded man. Then, with complete disregard for
his own safety, he bravely maneuvered himself through the
hazardous remaining distance, reached the wounded soldier, and
carried him back to the stretcher. With the assistance of
other personnel on the scene, he then carried the wounded
soldier to the landing site of the evacuation helicopter.
Specialist Smith's heroic conduct, ingenuity, and deep concern
for a fellow soldier are in the highest traditions of the United
States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the
military service. (This award supersedes the award of the
Army Commendation Medal to Specialist Smith for meritorious
achievement on 10 January 1965 as announced in General Orders
Number 20, Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, APO San
Francisco, 96207, dated 17 February 1965.)
Smith, Rudolph P.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 52 - 18 December 1963
Sergeant First Class Rudolph P. Smith, United States Army, a
member of Headquarters Company, Eighth United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism in Korea, on 13 June 1963.
While in the kitchen of Headquarters Company of the Eighth
United States Army Consolidated Mess, Sergeant Smith witnessed
the probable electrocution of a Korean electrician who became
trapped by a short circuit in the main electrical switch box.
With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant
Smith unhesitatingly lunged at the electrician, grabbed him
about the waist, and threw him to the floor, successfully
freeing the man from the lethal current in which he was
ensnared. In the process of his swift and courageous
action, Sergeant Smith's arm was singed and his clothing burned.
His prompt and heroic action in this emergency is in the highest
traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit
upon himself and the military service. (This award
supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding
courage on 13 June 1963 as announced in General Orders Number
163, Headquarters, Eighth United States Army, dated 26 August
1963.)
Spencer, Carey W.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 18 September 1957
Private First class Carey W. Spencer, Infantry, United States
Army, distinguished himself by heroism on the night of 22
February 1957, in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea, when the C-124
aircraft on which he was a passenger developed engine trouble
shortly after takeoff and crash-landed on a sandbar in the Han
River, bursting into flames on impact. After reaching
safety through an escape exit, with complete disregard for his
own life, Private Spencer volunteered to return to the burning
plane to rescue those trapped in or near it. Despite a
raging fire and the threat of explosions from the airplane's
fuel tanks, Private Spencer helped carry two badly injured men
to safety and then entered the aircraft to look for other
survivors. He later saw a man swimming in the icy waters
of the river and with the help of others, succeeded in getting
the man out and to the warmth of a fire which had been built.
Private Spencer refused to quit his rescue work until he was
satisfied that all survivors of the flight were safe. His
actions reflect the highest traditions of the United States
Army.
Spriggs, Robert A. (posthumous)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 24 - 10 July 1958
Private First Class Robert A. Spriggs, Signal Corps, United
States Army, a member of Company C, 51st Signal Battalion
(Corps) distinguished himself by heroism on 9 May 1958.
While on the bank of Han Tan River in Korea, Private Spriggs saw
his comrade, a Republic of Korea soldier, who was laundering
clothing, wade out into the water to retrieve some clothing
which had been caught in the current. The Republic of
Korea soldier stepped from an underwater ledge into deep water
and, unable to swim, began to flounder and call for help.
Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own
personal safety, Private Spriggs unclothed, entered the water
and swamp out to aid the helpless man. As Private Spriggs
approached to render assistance, the victim panicked,
overpowered Private Spriggs to the extent that he could not
break the man's grip, and both men drowned. In the
performance of this brave action in an attempt to rescue his
fellow-man, Private Spriggs displayed a rare courage and spirit
of self-sacrifice which reflected great credit upon himself and
the military service.
Stapleton, Wesley G.
Sergeant First Class Wesley G. Stapleton, United States Army,
distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in
the performance of outstanding service as a member of the
Engineer Fire Fighting Company, 8075th Army Unit, in Korea, from
27 January 1953 to 4 May 1954. Serving as Fire Chief of the city
of Pusan, Sergeant Stapleton demonstrated exceptional technical
proficiency and outstanding initiative in establishing adequate
military fire-protection measures in highly strategic and
extremely vulnerable areas in the United Nations' logistical
chain of supply, successfully reducing the acute danger of their
destruction by fire through possible enemy action. He skillfully
organized, trained and operated the fire-fighting services under
his control, proffered sound recommendations and technical
guidance to the 3001st. Republic of Korea Army Engineer
Firefighting Platoon, trained and utilized indigenous personnel
in this important field of public safety and conducted a
relentless campaign to establish high standards of fire
prevention and protection throughout the teeming port city of
Pusan. Despite obstacles imposed by extremely congested areas,
lack of fire breaks, an inadequate water supply system and
numerous routes in assessable to fire fighting equipment, his
actions in directing fire-fighting operations during the Great
Pusan Fire of 27 November 1953 and the devastating fires of
29
January 1954 and 3 April 1954 reach heroic portions and resulted
in the saving of hundreds of lives and millions of dollars worth
of military and civilian property. Sergeant Stapleton's forceful
leadership, selfless devotion to duty and demonstrated courage
were significant contributions to the United Nations' first
armed bid for world peace. His exemplary accomplishments reflect
great credit upon himself and the military service.
Summers, Charles D.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 39 - 31 July 1957
Second Lieutenant Charles D. Summers, Ordnance Corps, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on 2 August
1956, at Pusan, Korea. When Lieutenant Summers
received word at the Detachment that a group of people were in
distress on a point of land at Heunde Beach, Pusan, Korea, he
promptly proceeded to the scene with other personnel from his
unit and found that a huge wave in the wake of a typhoon had
washed several persons into the sea and they were being drowned
by the raging surf. Lieutenant Summers, without regard for
his own personal safety, attempted to swim to one of the
drowning victims, but was forced back by the high waves.
Risking his own life, he exhibited every possible effort to
complete the rescue. Lieutenant Summers' heroic actions
and ability to assume command in an emergency situation reflect
the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.
Todd, Forrest E.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 43 - 27 September 1963
Staff Sergeant Forrest E. Todd, United States Army, while a
member of Company D, 1st Battle Group, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry
Division, Eighth United States Army, distinguished himself by
heroism on 6 March 1963, in Korea. Sergeant Todd
unhesitatingly volunteered to traverse a mine field to rescue a
soldier who was seriously wounded by a mine explosion.
During more than one hour of extremely hazardous efforts in
clearing a lane to the injured soldier, Sergeant Todd and his
comrades located and disarmed numerous mines. When he and
the other members of the rescue party had advanced to within
approximately twenty meters of the injured soldier, a helicopter
lowered a sling in an attempt to airlift him from the dangerous
area. Observing that the soldier was too weak to tie
himself securely to the sling and was in danger of falling or
rolling onto other mines, Sergeant Todd, with complete disregard
for his own personal safety, rushed through the remaining
distance of the uncleared mine field, and assisted him into the
sling. Sergeant Todd's heroic action, devotion to duty,
and deep concern for a fellow soldier are in the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on
himself and the United States Army. (This award supersedes
the award of the Army Commendation Medal to Sergeant Todd for
heroism on 6 March 1963, in Korea, as announced in General
Orders Number 84, Headquarters, Eighth United States Army, dated
15 May 1963.)
Tomlinson, Thomas L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 12 - 17 March 1967
Specialist Four (then Private First Class) Thomas L.
Tomlinson, US55825685, United States Army, distinguished himself
by heroic and courageous actions in saving the life of a small
Korean child with complete disregard for his own life and
personal safety on 16 July 1966 while assigned to
Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Battery, 1st Battalion,
79th Artillery, 7th Infantry Division. Specialist
Tomlinson leaped into the swollen and torrential flood waters of
the Imjin River, in the vicinity of Musan-ni, Korea, and rescued
the small child from certain death. Specialist Tomlinson's
heroic deed was spontaneous, without a moments hesitation to
consider the risk involved. Special Tomlinson's courage
and bravery are in the highest traditions of the military
service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry
Division, and the United States Army.
Thomson, Donald E.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 38 - 18 September 1967
Lieutenant Colonel Donald e. Thomson 035490, Artillery,
United States Army, who distinguished himself by heroism on
22 March 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer of the
United States Army Support Group, Joint Security Area,
Panmunjom, Korea. At the conclusion of the Military
Armistice Commission meeting being held at Panmunjom, Korea, Mr.
Su Kun Yi, Vice Chief of the official North Korean Central News
Agency, entered a U.S. Army sedan seeking transportation to
South Korea. With disdain for his own safety, Lieutenant
Colonel Thomson immediately went to and also entered the sedan
occupied by Mr. Yi. In spite of North Korean guards
attempts to drag Mr. Yi from the car, Lieutenant Colonel Thomson
directed the car be driven amid a fusillade of small arms fire
from the North Korean guards. Lieutenant Colonel Thomson's
quick actions and leadership were instrumental in the successful
flight of Mr. Yi to the United States Army Support Group Advance
Camp. Lieutenant Colonel Thomson's heroic conduct is not
only in the highest tradition of the United States Army and
reflects great credit upon himself and the Military Service but
greatly enhanced the image of his unit and the United Nations
Command.
Treas, Richard L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 33 - 26 July 1967
Captain Richard L. Treas, Infantry, United States Army, on
December 20, 1966, in Chun Chon, Korea, distinguished
himself through an act of heroism voluntarily risking his life
in saving a nine year old Korean boy from drowning in the ice
swollen, turbulent So Yang river. While driving across the
So Yang river bridge, at the northern edge of the city of Chun
Chon, Captain Treas noticed an excited crowd of people gathering
along the bank of the river on the south side of the bridge.
Closer observation revealed the object of excitement to be a
small Korean child who had broken through the ice incrustation
and fallen into the river, clinging for life to a piece of
floating ice. Not knowing the thickness of the ice or the
depth of the river or the swiftness of its current and
notwithstanding the fact that he, cannot swim, Captain Treas
disregarded his personal safety and voluntarily risked his life
by proceeding immediately to rescue the Korean child.
Breaking through the ice, Captain Treas forced his way against
the strong current of the turbulent stream, the depth of which
often reached his chin. Fending off chunks of ice with
sharp and jagged edges, Captain Treas reached the child at mid
stream and carried him back to safety, aided by Sergeant First
Class Kim, Myung Keun, a Korean Soldier assigned to Detachment
Center, U.S. Army Advisory Group, Korea, who had likewise risked
his life by following Captain Treas into the stream in this
rescue effort. Upon reaching the banks, Captain Treas
delivered the near frozen boy to a Korean National Policeman for
immediate evacuation to the nearest hospital for urgently
required medical care. Through this act of heroism,
Captain Treas reflected great credit upon himself and the United
States Army Advisory Group, Korea, and the United States Army.
Vidman, Fred
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 39 - 31 July 1957
Private First Class Fred Vidman, Ordnance Corps, United
States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on 2 August
1956 at Pusan, Korea. When PFC Vidman received word
that a group of people were in distress on a point of land at
Heunde Beach, Pusan, Korea, he promptly proceeded to the scene
with his commanding officer and other personnel from his unit.
He found that a huge wave in the wake of a typhoon had washed
several persons into the sea and they were being drowned by the
raging surf. PFC Vidman, with the help of several enlisted
men, attempted to throw a rope to one of the drowning victims.
This required him to climb down a jutting cliff where high waves
were breaking ferociously against the rocks, placing him in
great danger of being swept into the sea. Risking his
life, he exhibited every possible effort to complete the rescue.
PFC Vidman's heroic actions in the emergency reflect the highest
credit on himself and the United States Army.
Watts, Willie
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 28 - 21 August 1961
Private First Class Willie Watts, United States Army, a
member of Company "C", 2d Medium Tank Battalion (Patton), 40th
Armor, distinguished himself by heroism near the village of
Changja-Dng, Korea, on 28 January 1961. While
participating in the annual Army Training Test, Private Watts
was informed that the tank to which he was assigned as loader
was on fire. After standard fire fighting procedures were
carried out, the flames abated momentarily, and the crew
dismounted to determine the extent of the damage. Suddenly
the fire reflashed and the tank engine began blazing fiercely.
Realizing that the immediate danger of an explosion of the fully
armed and combat-loaded tank threatened the lives and safety of
Infantry troops in the area, Private Watts quickly opened the
grill doors, and, using fire extinguishers brought to him by
crew members of other tanks, directed a steady stream of carbon
dioxide at the source of the fire. With complete disregard
for his own personal safety, he refused to leave the tank,
despite the fact that the intense heat had melted the soles of
his boots. Private Watts persisted in his efforts, and his
unswerving determination and courageous actions permitted
sufficient time to organize and direct the fire fighting team
which brought the blaze under control. The brave and
heroic manner in which Private Watts risked his life in this
dangerous emergency is in the most cherished traditions of the
United States Army, and reflects great credit on himself and the
military service.
Westerfeld, Russell L.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 23 - 20 May 1963
Private First Class Russell L. Westerfeld, United States
Army, a member of the 226th Signal Company, 4th United States
Army Missile Command (Air Transportable), distinguished himself
by heroism on 16 December 1962, in the vicinity of the
Soyang River, City of Chun Chon, Korea. Private Westerfeld
observed two young Korean ice skaters fall through the ice into
the swiftly flowing deep water of the Soyang River. With
complete disregard for his own personal safety, he
unhesitatingly entered the icy river in an effort to rescue the
panic-stricken youths. Upon reaching the edge of the ice,
he managed to grasp one of the frightened boys, and with the aid
of a pole extended to him by a companion, pulled the boy through
the water to the bank of the river. Private Westefeld's
prompt and courageous action in this emergency is in the highest
tradition of the United States Army and reflects great credit
upon himself and the military service.
White, Bernard W.P.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 10 - 21 March 1956
Specialist Third Class Bernard W.P. White, United States
Army, a member of Detachment A, 4th Military Intelligence
Company, distinguished himself by heroism near Kimpo Air Base,
Korea, on 6 August 1955. Upon approaching a bridge
spanning the Han River, Specialist White learned that a heavy
truck containing approximately 20 servicemen had crashed through
the railing and plunged 40 feet to the river bank. He
rushed to the scene of the accident and assisted in an attempt
to right the truck and release the trapped men. At this
juncture the gasoline tank exploded, knocking Specialist White
about 20 feet. Despite his own burns and intense heat he
returned to the flaming vehicle to aid a soldier whose clothing
was afire, got him to the river to extinguish the flames, and
administered first aid. Only after all possible assistance
had been given the injured soldiers did he accept treatment for
the painful burns he had incurred. Specialist White's
display of heroism reflects great credit on himself and the
military service.
Williams, Murphy
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 61 - 17 October 1955
Master Sergeant Murphy Williams, United States Army,
distinguished himself by heroism in Pusan Harbor Korea, on 19
April 1955. While serving as Fire Chief, Station 1,
8075th Engineer Firefighting Company, Sergeant Williams and his
company responded within minutes after a report of fire aboard
the SS Audrey II, loaded with HE bombs, incendiary clusters and
heat sensitive explosives, berthed in Pusan Harbor.
Firefighting operations were hampered by intense clouds of
billowing smoke. Fully aware of the danger involved,
Sergeant Williams entered the smoke-logged, ammunition-laden
hatch to ascertain the location and extent of the blaze.
He immediately saw an ignited parachute flare wedged between the
hull and the dunnage, out of reach of the fire hose and
imminently threatening to detonate the lethal cargo.
Quickly seizing the burning flare with his bare hands, he
carried it to the center of the hold where the water hose could
extinguish it. Sergeant Williams' quick thinking and
intrepid actions averted a major catastrophe with potential loss
of lives and property, reflecting utmost credit on himself and
upholding the esteemed traditions of the military service.
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