Jack Depinenil

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Sergeant JACK DePINENIL, RA16166356, Army Medical Service, United States Army, Medical Detachment, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Puch’oyon, Korea, on 9 April 1951. On this date, Sergeant DePINENIL, an aidman, was accompanying a task force which was attempting a crossing of the Choyang River in assault boats when the enemy subjected the troops to a murderous hail of fire. Exposing himself continually to the intense enemy fire, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant DePINENIL moved about the river bed, administering first aid to the wounded and assisting the evacuation of the casualties. For nearly two hours he remained exposed to the enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire while treating casualties from his-unit, and other groups. The direct and forceful action of Sergeant DePINENIL was directly responsible for the saving of the lives of several men who otherwise would have perished without the prompt medical treatment received. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant DePINENIL reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.