Andre J. Ketele

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Andre J. Ketele (RA51093076), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a gunner on a 57-mm. recoilless rifle with Company I, 3d Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. Corporal Ketele distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Op-a-ri, Korea, on 21 October 1950. On that date, Corporal Ketele was on a reconnaissance-in-force with his company through the hilly terrain near Op-a-ri. As the company moved through a very narrow valley they were met by a withering hail of fire from an enemy force of battalion size, well concealed and dug in on the surrounding high ground. Due to the complete surprise of the attack and the enemy’s commanding position, heavy casualties were inflicted on the company at the outset. The company commander, realizing the futility of attempting to set up defensive positions in the valley, ordered a withdrawal from the valley. Disregarding the order to withdraw, and heedless of his own personal safety, Corporal Ketele acted as both gunner and assistant gunner and continued to fire his weapon with extreme accuracy, inflicting heavy casualties on the advancing enemy troops. Mortally wounded and with only one round left, he held his fire until the advancing enemy were only fifty yards from his position before firing. Corporal Ketele’s accurate fire and personal bravery materially slowed down the enemy’s advance and permitted the orderly withdrawal of his unit from the valley. His selfless devotion to duty was an inspiration to all who witnessed his deed.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 27 (January 18, 1951)