Harry J. Sternburg

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Harry J. Sternburg (0-57209), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Heavy Mortar Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 February 1951, near Kodong-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Sternburg was forward observer in support of a company which was attacking Hill 88. The leading platoon was pinned down by a murderous hail of fire from a pillbox. Being unable to direct mortar fire on the pillbox because of the proximity of friendly troops, Lieutenant Sternburg, with complete disregard for his own personal safety and while under intense small arms, mortar, and artillery fire, crawled to a point within thirty yards of the pillbox and threw hand grenades into the enemy positions. Having failed to knock out the pillbox, Lieutenant Sternburg crawled to the rear, re-supplied himself with grenades, and again returned to hurl them into the pillbox until it had been completely neutralized. The inspiring actions of Lieutenant Sternburg resulted in the success of the assault on the hill, and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.