Charles R. Yetsko

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles R. Yetsko (US52219316), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to the 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, a concentration of hostile mortar and artillery fire landed on a friendly ammunition supply point and adjacent bunker at the base of Outpost Harry, in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea. Several men, who were in the area, became casualties from the shell bursts. Private Yetsko, a medical aid man, voluntarily moved from his position on the main line of resistance through the intense shelling to give aid and evacuate these men. He returned twice to bring the wounded men to the comparative safety of the friendly lines. In an effort to speed up the evacuation of the remaining casualties, he drove a litter truck to the shelled area. While he was preparing a casualty to be placed in the truck, a mortar round came in. Private Yetsco immediately threw himself on the man in an effort to protect him from further injury. As a result of this courageous act, private Yetsco was mortally wounded by the impact of the exploding round. Private Yetsco’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.