Korean War - Silver Star - Army
The Silver Star Medal is the United States' third-highest award exclusively for combat valor and ranks fifth in the precedence of military awards behind the Medal of Honor, the Crosses (Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross), the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (awarded by DOD), and the Distinguished Service Medals of the various branches of service. It is the highest award for combat valor that is not unique to any specific branch; it has been bestowed by the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. It may be given by any one of the individual services to not only their own members, but to members of other branches of service, foreign allies, and even to civilians for "gallantry in action" in support of combat missions of the United States military.
We have identified slightly more than 8,000 U.S. Army recipients of the Silver Star for gallantry in action during the Korean War. These are listed in the PDF document titled "Index of Major Awards". This document is found on this page.
Of the 8,000+ recipients we have identified, we have obtained citations for a little more than 250 recipients. These recipients and their citations are listed below, alphabetically by last name.
* Indicates Killed in Action (KIA), Missing in Action (MIA), Prisoner of War (POW), or Died Non-Battle (DNB)
ACEVEDO, MANUEL, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Manuel Acevedo, Jr. (RA6674870), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, on 1 February 1951, near Suwon, Korea, while leading his platoon in an assault on Hill 297. In spite of the heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire being directed at him, Master Sergeant Acevedo stormed the enemy positions and neutralized them with hand grenades. Owing to the intrepid action of Master Sergeant Acevedo the hill was taken and many of the enemy killed or captured. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Master Sergeant Acevedo reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders # 137, May 14, 1951
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
ACEVEDO-OLIVIO, FRANCISCO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Francisco Acevedo-Olivio (US50107130), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 28 - 29 January 1952, a reconnaissance patrol from Company B was ambushed and the forward elements of the patrol were surrounded and taken as prisoners. As a guard brought some rice into the barbed-wire enclosure where they had been placed, Private Acevedo-Olivo, a member of the patrol, took him by complete surprise by tearing the container from his hand, striking him in the face with it and running from the cage. While fleeing from the foe, Private Acevedo-Olivo was seriously wounded in the arm and leg, making it impossible for him to walk. With unflinching courage and an indomitable resolution to escape from the hands of the enemy, he crawled over four miles of snow-covered terrain and crossed a wide, icy river to return to friendly lines. His unwavering determination to return to his unit provided immense intelligence information about the enemy that could not otherwise have been obtained. Private Acevedo-Olivo's gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 139 (9 April 1952)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
ADKINS, VIRGIL B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Virgil B. Adkins (US52188840), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the morning and afternoon of 17 July 1953, in the vicinity of Sinmok-Tong, Korea, Company B assaulted enemy held Hill 433. In the action, many friendly casualties were sustained and Private Adkins immediately began treating and evacuating them. Disregarding the heavy enemy fire, he repeatedly moved about the terrain under fire to aid wounded raiders. When the unit began to return toward the United Nations main line of resistance, Private Adkins volunteered to remain behind and cover the retrograde movement. Courageously protecting his unit, he directed heavy fire upon the foe until mortally wounded by intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Private Adkins' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders # 4, January 5, 1954
Home of Record: West Virginia
ALLEN, EDWARD GERALD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward Gerald Allen (0-31878), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 January 1951, near Nubongdong-ni, Korea, Colonel Allen's battalion was withdrawing to more favorable terrain to establish a defensive perimeter for the night when it was attacked by a strong enemy force. This attack was executed by the enemy in such a manner that the supporting weapons of the battalion were in the open and exposed to enemy machine gun and small arms fire. Colonel Allen, realizing the gravity of the situation, personally supervised the organization of the supporting weapons to fight back the enemy attack. In doing this, he continually exposed himself to heavy fire. The coolness under fire, personal courage, and professional skill displayed by Colonel Allen were instrumental in defeating the enemy attack and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 73 (22 March 1951)
Home of Record: Vermont
*ALVAREZ, HUGO (MIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Hugo Alvarez (ER30424065), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 23 April 1951, near Ognyo-bong, Korea, a determined enemy force attacked defensive positions occupied by the Second Platoon of F Company. In the ensuing action, two members of the first squad were wounded, creating a gap in the line through which the enemy could infiltrate to the unit's area. Corporal Alvarez, quickly realizing the seriousness of the situation, boldly exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved into the positions left vacant by the wounded men. Moving along a trench between the two dugouts, he alternated between them, firing at the foe from different angles, cleverly making them believe that this sector of the line was occupied by more than one man. When the squad began to run low on ammunition, Corporal Alvarez, in order to stretch his diminishing supply of hand grenades, threw them at irregular intervals interspersed with stones, keeping the enemy uncertain and pinned down until ammunitions arrived. Corporal Alvarez's gallantry and unusual presence of mind reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 310 (25 July 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
AMMON, GEORGE F., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George F. Ammon, Jr. (0-1325628), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 22 December 1950, at Hungnam, Korea, Captain Ammon's company was in a defensive position when attacked by an estimated two hundred enemy troops. Immediately, Captain Ammon, boldly went to the foremost forward position of his company, skillfully redeployed his troops and directed their fire upon the onrushing foe. While directly exposed to the enemy, he continuously moved among his men giving encouragement and directing the defense, and as a result of his determined leadership and professional skill, eight seven casualties were inflicted on the enemy while his unit was almost unscathed. The enemy was forced to withdraw. Captain Amman's gallantry and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 46 (14 February 1951)
Home of Record: Mississippi
AMY, ARMANDO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Armando Amy (0-954374), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 4 June 1951, near Unchon-ni, Korea, Company A was given the mission of assaulting a mountain peak stronghold of an estimated two-battalion enemy force. During the assault, Lieutenant AMY'S platoon became subjected to a severe enemy barrage and suffered many casualties. Continually rallying his men, Lieutenant AMY and a handful of troops succeeded in reaching the objective, where they were immediately and strongly counterattacked. Although bleeding profusely from head wounds and blinded in one eye, Lieutenant AMY refused to be evacuated and continued staunchly to direct the defense of the recently gained position. Not until the company commander ordered the unit to withdraw for reorganization, did Lieutenant AMY permit himself to be taken to an aid station in a rear area. The superb gallantry displayed by Lieutenant AMY reflects the highest credit upon himself and is in keeping with the most esteemed traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 343 (8 August 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
ANCTIL, GERALD R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gerald R. Anctil (US51180164), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning of 6 July 1953, Company K began to raid enemy held Hill 250 in the vicinity of Honu-Chon, Korea. Corporal Anctil was the squad leader of the machine gun squad attached to the assault platoon. After a short, but bitterly contested fire fight, the first two sectors of the hill were overrun by the attacking force. Upon reaching the crest of the second sector, Corporal Anctil immediately began to deploy his machine gun crews for the purpose of supporting the assault on another sector of the hill. Having done this, Corporal Anctil left his squad and moved to a position from which he could most effectively observe the enemy's fire. Near the crest of the hill, he observed a large machine gun bunker and supporting automatic rifle positions. Shortly thereafter, Corporal Anctil, with complete disregard for his personal safety, took several grenades and began to rush the entrenched enemy. He was last seen throwing grenades into a trench on the left flank of the enemy positions and inflicting heavy casualties when incoming enemy artillery fire critically wounded him. Corporal Anctil's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 363- August 28, 1953
Home of Record: Massachusetts
ANDERSON, LEO DONALD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Leo Donald Anderson (0-2018631), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 27 April 1951, enemy forces in the vicinity of Uijongbu, Korea, launched a powerful attack against the 1st and 3d Battalions of the 65th Infantry. Penetrating the sector of the line held by these two units, these hostile forces succeeded in isolating one company from its battalion. Captain ANDERSON, who was in the battalion observation post, realizing the seriousness of the situation and the possibility of a general breakthrough, moved forward to collect and assemble remnants of two companies, into a defensive perimeter to block the existing gap. With complete disregard for his own safety, he crossed the open bullet-swept terrain and organized elements of the two companies fusing them into an effective defensive force. Captain ANDERSON then formed squad patrols to go forward, and, under his personal supervision, they evacuated the wounded. Captain ANDERSON'S conspicuous gallantry and courageous demeanor reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 215 (22 June 1951)
Home of Record: Colorado
ANDERSON, TERRELL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Terrell Anderson (RA14144405), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, a platoon of Company G was holding the northern sector of Outpost Harry in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea. Sergeant Anderson, the platoon sergeant, was among his men when enemy mortar and artillery fire began landing in the area. He immediately checked to see that all of his men had adequate cover from the shell blasts. Upon receiving word that friendly mortar flares were to be used in the area. he moved through the devastating fire, warning his men to remain concealed and not to expose their positions to the enemy. As Sergeant Anderson went to each position, he instilled confidence and a fighting spirit among his men and was inspirational to others as he repeatedly moved through the intensely shelled area in the interest of the welfare of his comrades. While he was moving to an extremely exposed position, a close landing mortar round mortally wounded him. Sergeant ANDERSON'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 211 (28 June 1953)
Home of Record: Alabama
ARMSTRONG, GEORGE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George E. Armstrong (0-1290526), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 15 December 1950, at Oro-ri, Korea, Captain Armstrong's company was attacked by an estimated three hundred enemy troops which broke through sections of the line after an intensive fire fight. After the break through, approximately fifty of the enemy attacked the unit's command post, and Captain Armstrong was seriously wounded. Although wounded and in the midst of an overwhelming enemy, he tenaciously refused to be evacuated but proceeded to reorganize his command post on higher ground and gathered elements of his company at the new position. There he personally organized the defense and assisted in carrying other wounded to safety while exposed to enemy fire. He remained at the command post directing the successful defense against a renewed enemy attack until daybreak when the enemy withdrew. The gallantry and exemplary leadership of Captain Armstrong, while seriously wounded and under fire, reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 32 (31 January 1951)
Home of Record: Illinois
ARUZ-PEREZ, CATALINO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Catalino Aruz-Perez (RA30413623), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 13 October 1950, in the vicinity of Hwanggan, Korea, Corporal Aruz-Perez was a member of a combat patrol which came under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire. The patrol was pinned down and unable to return fire. Corporal Aruz-Perez, with complete disregard for a murderous hail of fire directed against him, ran and crawled across an open field to a position from which he could fire his automatic rifle. He delivered a steady stream of fire destroying an enemy machine gun nest and enabling his patrol to withdraw to a more advantageous position. The courage and initiative displayed by Corporal Aruz-Perez reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 75 (23 March 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
ATTERBERRY, BOBBIE D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Bobbie D. Atterberry (0-2028541), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, Company F commenced to attack enemy held Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. In attempting to rush enemy positions on the reverse slope of the hill, the assault unit was halted by a hail of grenades and small arms fire. Lieutenant Atterberry, braving the intense fire, moved about, reorganizing his men, encouraging them and bolstering their morale by his courage and eagerness to accomplish the mission. When his men had been re-supplied with ammunition, Lieutenant Atterberry personally led the renewed attack on the enemy positions. As he moved over the skyline, a white phosphorus grenade burst nearby, wounding him. Despite this, Lieutenant Atterberry continued his determined charge towards the entrenched enemy, hurling grenades at the foe until his supply was expended. He then took his carbine and sprayed the area with rapid fire. The effective placement of his grenades and carbine fire mortally wounded several of the enemy and rendered others as casualties. Meanwhile, the rest of the assault unit, inspired by the fighting spirit of Lieutenant Atterberry, succeeded in overrunning the remaining enemy positions on the hill. Shortly thereafter, the enemy counterattacked in reinforced platoon strength. In the ensuing action, Lieutenant Atterberry continually moved from one exposed position to another to ascertain the enemy's movements and give instructions for supporting fires. His commands enabled the artillery, coupled with his company's small arms fire, to break up the counterattack, thus securing the objective for his raiding force. Lieutenant Atterberry's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 311 (2 August 1953)
Home of Record: Colorado
AUGHTRY, JAMES E., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James E. Aughtry, Jr. (0-2004604), First Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Tank Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the morning of 20 July 1953, Lieutenant Aughtry, a platoon leader of Tank Company, was in command of a task force of tanks which went into enemy held territory in the vicinity of Kundong-Myon, Korea, with the mission of destroying enemy fortifications. As Lieutenant Aughtry led the tanks toward the objective, his tank struck an antitank mine which disabled the vehicle. He dismounted from the tank and moved through the shell fire to determine if there were more mines in the area. Upon locating other mines, he dug them out, thus clearing a path for another tank to come up to his position and tow the disabled tank back to a place of comparative safety. After clearing the area, he directed the evacuation of the tank back to the friendly lines despite intense enemy shell fire which rained in on the area. Lieutenant Aughtry's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 361 (27 August 1953)
Home of Record: South Carolina
BAGWELL, WILLIAM E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William E. Bagwell (RA20463269), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company F assaulted enemy held Hill 412. During the first stages of the battle, Sergeant Bagwell assisted in the evacuation of the wounded. When the support of the reserve platoon was urgently needed and the radio operator was too exhausted to ascend one of the peaks to transmit the message, Sergeant Bagwell, taking over the radio, ascended the second peak of the hill in an attempt to relay the important request. Upon reaching the peak, he was subjected to intense concentrations of enemy shellfire, making successful radio transmission impossible. He then moved down the hill to the reserve platoon's position and relayed the request for assistance and directed two squads back up the hill into position while under the heavy barrage. Upon completing his mission, he resumed his direction of the evacuation of wounded. In the last moments of the battle, Sergeant Bagwell moved up to the highest peak of the hill, exposing himself to the enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire, to make certain that all friendly soldiers had withdrawn from the area. Sergeant Bagwell's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 374 (2 September 1953)
Home of Record: Arkansas
BALZAC, RAFAEL E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Rafael E. Balzac (RA20023787), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 July 1952, elements of Company C were assaulting hostile positions near Yu-hyon, Korea, when they were suddenly subjected to an intense enemy mortar barrage. Sergeant Balzac, who was severely wounded by the intense barrage, refused aid and evacuation as he undauntedly remained with his company throughout the ensuing action. When the order was given to withdraw, Sergeant Balzac assisted in evacuating a wounded comrade. Upon reaching friendly positions, he again refused medical aid, and after calling for volunteers to accompany him, left his position of comparative safety to further assist in evacuating the wounded. As he was carrying a fallen comrade to safety, the entire area was brought under a devastating barrage of enemy mortar fire resulting in Sergeant Balzac sustaining mortal wounds. The outstanding gallantry and selfless actions displayed by Sergeant Balzac under enemy fire, reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 348 (27 November 1952)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
BAUGHN, JACK, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jack Baughn, Jr. (US52218139), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the evening and night of 14 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company E commenced a raid on enemy held Hill 412. As Sergeant Baughn's squad neared the objective, it was subjected to heavy enemy fire which wounded the squad leader. Sergeant Baughn immediately assumed command of the squad, reorganized it and aggressively led the group up the slope. He courageously guided his men through the intense defensive barrages, forced the enemy to retreat and, upon reaching the crest, deployed his men in an effective defense perimeter. Upon receiving the order to withdraw, Sergeant Baughn skillfully led the squad to the assembly area and then volunteered to guide a screening patrol back to the shell torn objective in an attempt to retrieve wounded personnel. Disregarding the heavy enemy artillery and mortar bombardment, he again moved into the area under fire and succeeded in evacuating several United Nations casualties to safety. Sergeant Baughn then led the screening patrol back to the main line of resistance. Sergeant Baughn's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 88 (5 June 1954)
Home of Record: Kentucky
BEARD, HOWARD, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Howard Beard, Jr. (US55197372), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the morning and afternoon of 17 July 1953, in the vicinity of Sinmok-Tong, Korea, Corporal Beard was a member of a company raiding force advancing on enemy held Hill 433. He aggressively climbed the slope and charged the enemy, throwing hand grenades and firing his weapon. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Beard repeatedly moved within a few yards of enemy bunkers and trenches to effectively fire upon the defenders. His courageous actions and constant encouragement inspired his men to fight still harder and to inflict extensive damage upon the foe. Observing heavy fire coming from a bunker, he valiantly rushed to an exposed position and fired upon the enemy troops in the fortification in an attempt to neutralize their fire. In this brave move to protect his comrades, Corporal Beard was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy small arms fire. Corporal Beard's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 4 (5 Jan 1954)
Home of Record: Illinois
BECERRIL-SAAVEDRA, MIGUEL L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Miguel L. Becerril-Saavedra (RA30451639), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 April 1951, when the First Platoon of Company C was ordered to attack and seize the high ground near Hwanchan-dong, Korea, Private Becerril-Saavedra, an acting squad leader, and his men were leading the advance. Upon coming under intense enemy small arms and mortar fire, Private Becerril-Saavedra, with no thought for his personal safety, completely exposed himself in order to direct the fire and movement of his squad by arm and oral commands. After a long fire fight with the enemy, he led his squad in a bayonet assault which resulted in the death of five enemy soldiers, the capture of an enemy mortar and the seizure of the objective. The gallantry and exceptional leadership displayed by Private Becerril-Saavedra reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 205 (19 June 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
BEEKS, ALTON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Alton Beeks (RA34647640), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June and during the early morning hours of 15 June 1953, Company E had the mission of raiding an enemy outpost in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. A platoon, of which Sergeant Beeks was platoon sergeant, departed from the friendly lines under heavy enemy fire and advanced toward the enemy stronghold when the platoon leader became seriously wounded. Sergeant Beeks immediately accepted the responsibility of command and led his platoon in combat. When ordered to return to friendly lines, he organized his platoon, supervised the evacuation of wounded and then remained on the objective to search for missing personnel. Although hampered by darkness and enemy fire, he found several wounded comrades and evacuated them to a point from which they could be returned to friendly lines by litter. When assistance arrived, he directed the further evacuation with the utmost efficiency. Sergeant Beeks' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 341 (15 August 1953)
Home of Record: South Carolina
BEHNE, EDWARD P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward P. Behne (0-2103674), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 20 September 1952, Lieutenant Behne's platoon was assigned the mission of attacking a heavily defended enemy position on Kelly Hill in the vicinity of Koyang-dae, Korea. Despite intensive enemy mortar barrages and machine gun fire, Lieutenant Behne led his platoon up the fire swept slopes towards the hostile trenches. Realizing the danger to his men who were halted in an extremely exposed and untenable position, Lieutenant Behne, with complete disregard for his personal safety, started the assault on the trenches. As a result of his inspirational actions, his men, in hand to hand combat, drove the enemy from the trenches, mortally wounding many of the foe. Leading a small group, he then moved toward the final enemy held position on the knob of the hill. Observers noted a large hostile force of two groups closing in on Lieutenant Behne's platoon from both flanks and ordered his immediate return to safety. After insuring that all his wounded were evacuated, Lieutenant Behne covered the retrograde movement of his men until the entire group had successfully disengaged. In the final moments of the battle, Lieutenant Behne, leaving seconds before the enemy closed in on his position, mortally wounded two attacking enemy soldiers. Lieutenant Behne's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 190 (16 June 1953)
Home of Record: Wisconsin
BLAZEY, FRANK EARL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Frank Earl Blazey (0-28693), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 25 to 26 April 1951, near Tokchong, Korea, as Company E was occupying a defensive position on the Elgin Line, it was attacked by an enemy force of estimated regimental strength. Captain Blazey, company commander, forced to tighten his perimeter in the face of the heavy pressure exerted by the enemy, fearlessly moved through the intense enemy fire as he organized a defensive position around the command post. When the supply of ammunition became critically low, Captain Blazey, on three occasions, personally led a party through the heavy hostile fire to procure more. Throughout the entire action, his confident manner and vigorous exhortations were a source of inspiration to the members of his command. Captain Blazey's superb gallantry and resourceful leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 365 (18 August 1951)
Home of Record: New York
*BONET-MORALES, CARLOS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Carlos Bonet-Morales (ER30423990), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 3 June 1951, near Songbong-ni, Korea, while attacking well-defended enemy emplacements Sergeant Bonet-Morales unhesitatingly braved an intense barrage of hostile fire to render valuable medical assistance to his stricken comrades. After evacuating two infantrymen to a covered position, he again voluntarily exposed himself to administer life-saving plasma to a severely wounded soldier and, while thus engaged, was mortally wounded by shell fragments. Sergeant Bonet-Morales' gallantry, fearlessness, and genuine concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 285 (16 July 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
BOYLE, CHARLES E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles E. Boyle (0-1337269), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 1 March 1951, near Tukto, Korea, Lieutenant Boyle, acting as an aerial observer on a reconnaissance mission, repeatedly requested the pilot to fly the aircraft at low altitudes, heedless of enemy ground fire, in order to better view enemy positions and entrenchment's and pinpoint their locations. While flying at extremely low altitudes, Lieutenant Boyle, observing a fire fight between friendly forces and the enemy, noted a wounded soldier being evacuated by a comrade. Knowing the danger of landing the aircraft where none had ever landed before and fully aware that in evacuating the wounded man in his aircraft it would be necessary for him to remain behind and be exposed to the heavy enemy fire falling in the area, he gallantly urged the pilot to land. After successfully landing and determining that the soldier was wounded too seriously to be evacuated in their type of aircraft, Lieutenant Boyle and the pilot returned to the home base to obtain a helicopter. The selfless concern for the safety of the soldier displayed by Lieutenant Boyle reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 249 (4 July 1951)
Home of Record: Virginia
BRISTOL, FRANKLIN F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Franklin F. Bristol (0-1307364), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Company L, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 November 1950 near Sinchang-ni, Korea. On the night of 29 November 1950 a numerically superior enemy force attacked the 7th Cavalry Regiment. The hostile troops rolled over the two covering battalions and through to a road block set up by Company L. The Red force was stopped at the road block as a fierce fire fight ensued. While enemy mortars, automatic and small arms fire raked his positions, Captain (then First Lieutenant) Bristol continually exposed himself in order to form his company for a counterattack. Upon completion of his preparations, Captain Bristol, while continuously exposed to intense enemy fire, led his company in the counter blow. He was out in front of the skirmish line at all times, directing and leading his men into the hail of enemy fire. Upon reaching the former positions of the other battalions, Captain Bristol discovered that the enemy had turned his flank and were now behind him. Holding up his attack, Captain Bristol formed his company in a wedge formation and drove back to his road block positions. During this movement, he personally made a thorough search of all ground covered to assure himself that all the wounded had been evacuated or he personally saw to their removal from the scene of battle. Captain Bristol's selfless devotion to duty and regard for the safety of his men while in the face of almost sure death, were [sic] responsible for the saving of many lives as well as restoring his regiment's perimeter, thus averting disaster. Captain Bristol's courage and gallantry reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Home of Record: New York
BRODOWSKI, NORBERT E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Norbert E. Brodowski (0-1318644), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 4 June 1951, Company B was attacking a ridge near Songbong-ni, Korea, held by an enemy force with such intense fire power that the company was prevented from immediately reaching its objective. While the unit was pinned down, the enemy, having secured reinforcements and utilizing a heavy volume of fire, launched a counter-attack. The initial strength of the hostile assault caused several casualties and confused the unit, so that when Lieutenant Brodowski gave the order to move forward to take up appointed positions, the dazed men began to fall back. Lieutenant Brodowski, faced with a grave emergency, moved out, heedless of the enemy fire, to regroup the company and going from man to man, personally located them in advantageous firing positions, encouraging them to repel the enemy assault. As a result of Lieutenant Brodowski's resolute actions the company steadfastly held its ground, and eventually completed the assigned mission. The gallant courage and forceful leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Brodowski reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 365 (18 August 1951)
Home of Record: New Jersey
BROSI, DALE MARLOW
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Dale Marlow Brosi, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while leading his squad in a combat patrol near Mundungni, Korea, on 1 November 1951. As the patrol advanced it was subjected to intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, grenade and mortar fire. Sergeant Brosi exposed himself to the concentrated fire and moving from position to position he encouraged the men and directed their fire. When the opposition increased so that the patrol was pinned down, Sergeant Brosi began inching his way toward the enemy position, rapidly firing his rifle. Moving within position he leaped to his feet, and hurling grenades, charged the enemy killing two of them and disorganizing the remainder. His squad followed him and completed the rout.
Home of Record: Coatsburg, Illinois
BROUGHTON, DALE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Dale E. Broughton (0-1016508), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Tank Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 18 April 1951, in the vicinity of Yurhyow, Korea, the task force of which Lieutenant Broughton was a member, came under heavy fire from the enemy. When his tank became disabled while negotiating the rough terrain, making it a target for enemy fire, Lieutenant Broughton ordered the members of his crew to strip the vehicle of all weapons and withdraw to the other tanks in the platoon. Completely disregarding his personal safety, he climbed to the top of his tank turret, manned the heavy machine gun and fired at enemy emplacements, thereby furnishing cover for his crew as they escaped to the safety of the other armored vehicles. Lieutenant Broughton then dismounted from his tank and crawled to another which he maneuvered into position to fire directly at the hostile forces. Once again, exposing himself to the fire of the enemy, he stood in the tank's turret and fired at the enemy, causing him to retreat. Lieutenant Broghton's gallantry and extreme courage reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 205 (19 June 1951)
Home of Record: Ohio
BROWN, HENRY A., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Henry A. Brown, Jr. (0-2003208), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 27 October 1952, First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) Brown and his platoon were occupying a sector of Outpost Jackson Heights, in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, when a heavy enemy artillery concentration began. Lieutenant Brown unhesitatingly ran from his bunker to organize his platoon for the attack. The enemy followed its artillery and mortar barrage with a battalion attack coming from three sides of the outpost. Lieutenant Brown, while moving through his now depleted platoon, was seriously wounded and temporarily blinded. He ordered the platoon to reorganize in a small perimeter with the rest of the company. He then put his platoon sergeant in command, but refused to move to a place of comparative safety. He crawled about the ground feeling for grenades and passing them to those who could see to throw them. Later, when the company was ordered to return to friendly lines, Lieutenant Brown insisted on being in the rear guard. Unable to see, he was guided to the main line of resistance where he was evacuated. Lieutenant Brown's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 194 (17 June 1953)
Home of Record: South Carolina
BUCK, GEORGE SAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George Sam Buck, Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of the 39th Field Artillery Battalion assigned as Forward Observer to Company K, 15th Infantry Regiment. Company K was committed to the defense of Outpost Harry, a strategically valuable position, when the enemy launched a reinforced regimental sized attack against the company. Second Lieutenant Buck moving about the outpost units while constantly exposing himself to direct enemy fire effectively called for defensive fire from the supporting indirect fire units. Learning that the enemy had reached the trenches he returned to the company command post on the outpost. Second Lieutenant Buck took a position just inside the command bunker and along with the company commander and executive officer; they repulsed several attempts by the enemy to seize the command post. The enemy threw grenades into the bunker, seriously wounding the company commander and mortally wounding the executive officer, both being knocked unconscious. Lieutenant Buck although seriously wounded remained at the bunker entrance protecting those inside the bunker and rendered first aid to the company commander. Repeatedly the enemy attempted to enter the bunker only to be denied entrance by the deadly carbine fire from Lieutenant Buck. He remained in radio contact with support units. When it became apparent that the position was untenable, he called for artillery fire upon his position, stopping the enemy advance. The enemy threw more grenades into the bunker knocking Lieutenant Buck down, this time wounding him in the leg and arm. On two more occasions when enemy soldiers stepped into the doorway to fire, Lieutenant Buck killed them, denying the enemy control of the command post and saving the life of his fellow soldiers. Finding that his carbine was jammed as the enemy entered the bunker, he wiped blood from his wounds on to his face and lay still beside the two unconscious company officers. When the K Company officers started to regain consciousness, the enemy shot them both, killing the executive officer and again wounding the company commander. Reinforcements drove the enemy from the outpost and not until Lieutenant Buck's Artillery forward observer replacement arrived, did Lieutenant Buck leave the outpost. Second Lieutenant Buck's valorous conduct and unflinching courage reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.
BUCKNELL, ROMEO H., JR.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Romeo H. Bucknell, Jr. (0-1330151), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 March 1951, near Yuman-ni, Korea, First Lieutenant Bucknell, commanding a Battle Patrol Platoon of Company B, fearlessly led his unit in an assault against a numerically superior and entrenched enemy force on Hill 114. Fully exposing himself at all times to the withering hostile fire, he was twice wounded; but undaunted, routing the enemy from the hill. Only after the objective had been secured and he had defensively deployed the platoon did he accept medical treatment for his wounds. The gallant leadership and courage exhibited by First Lieutenant Bucknell reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 533 (22 November 1951)
Home of Record: New York
Other Award: Silver Star w/OLC (Korea), Silver Star w/2d OLC (Korea)
BUCKNELL, ROMEO H., JR.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Romeo H. Bucknell, Jr. (0-1330151), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Upon arrival in a defensive position near Ckuyuo, Korea, on 25 April 1951, Company A was ordered to seize the high ground to the immediate east, the occupation of which area by the enemy would have placed the defensive position of other friendly units in grave danger. After reaching its objective the company became engaged in a fierce battle with a large enemy force. Early in the fight, Lieutenant Bucknell, learning that a platoon leader had been wounded, voluntarily crawled forward under heavy enemy fire and assisted the wounded officer to safety. Later, he received word that a group of men were wounded and again risking his personal safety, he proceeded toward their position and directed the evacuation of the injured. Despite the bitter fire of several enemy machine guns, Lieutenant Bucknell successfully led the litter bearers to the wounded and physically assisted in their evacuation from the scene of battle. These hazardous duties safely accomplished, he returned to his platoon to encourage his men and helped distribute vitally needed ammunition among them. Lieutenant Bucknell's selfless acts of gallantry reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 213 (22 June 1951)
Home of Record: New York
Other Award: Silver Star (Korea), Silver Star w/2d OLC (Korea)
BUCKNELL, ROMEO H., JR.
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Silver Star Medal to Romeo H. Bucknell, Jr. (0-1330151), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 4 June 1951, Company A was assigned the mission of capturing Hill 466, near Unchon-ni, Korea, after another company, suffering a large number of casualties, had failed to gain the objective. The route to the objective was zeroed in by the enemy artillery and snipers were known to be deployed at strategic points, making any advance extremely hazardous. Lieutenant Bucknell, although constantly exposed to the heavy artillery barrage, aggressively led his company forward and going from man to man, encouraged each one to maintain the steady advance until the company, although having sustained many casualties, succeeded in reaching its goal. Almost immediately, the enemy launched a vicious counterattack, blasting the hill with a rain of hand grenades which wounded two of the company's platoon leaders and several of the ranking non-commissioned officers, depriving the unit of much of its essential leadership. Lieutenant Bucknell, seriously handicapped by this and yet possessed with a fierce determination to hold the objective, reorganized his casualty riddled company by personally placing men in important positions. Ordering them to hold firmly, he continued to move about the perimeter, urging and inspiring his men with his exemplary courage and disregard for his own well-being. During the night and the following morning the enemy, in groups of 40 and 50, attempted several assaults but the company, bolstered by Lieutenant Bucknell's tenacity and vocal reassurance, repeatedly repelled these attacks. Throughout the engagement the valiant officer, although slightly wounded, was always in the thick of the battle giving first aid, evacuating the wounded, carrying ammunition, and laying sound wire, all necessary in aiding the company to hold its ground. This containing action paved the way for the withdrawal of a friendly battalion on the left flank and prevented the enemy from jeopardizing the 1st Battalion, of which Company A was a part. That the company mission was so outstandingly successful despite many handicaps is due directly to Lieutenant Bucknell's resolute leadership, bold aggressiveness, and superb gallantry reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 364 (18 August 1951)
Home of Record: New York
Other Award: Silver Star (Korea), Silver Star w/OLC (Korea)
BUENO, CAYETANO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Cayetano Bueno (RA17269520), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 1 November 1950 near Unsan, Korea. During the night, the enemy attacked Company G with such overwhelming numbers that the company was forced to withdraw to secondary positions. Corporal Bueno mounted the turret of a friendly tank which was supporting Company G and directed a deadly accurate stream of fire on the enemy, inflicting many casualties and delaying the enemy advance. When he had expended his ammunition, he ran to another tank nearby and retrieved the .50 caliber ammunition from its machine gun, which had been disabled. Returning to his original position, he reloaded the gun and commenced firing again on the enemy, inflicting many more casualties. He continued to pour fire on the enemy until a direct hit on his machine gun rendered it useless. Then he opened up with his M-1 rifle and stayed with the tank until it withdraw. During this entire action, Corporal Bueno was constantly exposed to intense enemy fire of all kinds, but he fearlessly remained at his position, inflicting many casualties upon the enemy and providing invaluable rear guard action for his withdrawing company and tank. This example of gallantry reflects great credit on Corporal Bueno and the military service.
Home of Record: Colorado
BUNDREN, ELMO LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Elmo Lee Bundren (0-1825586), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 16 December 1950, a determined attack was made by a large enemy force on the 65th Infantry line near Yonghung-ni, Korea. Lieutenant Bundren volunteered to go forward and reorganize the platoons which had been forced from their positions. Prior to reaching the platoons Lieutenant Bundren came under intense small arms and grenade fire. After Lieutenant Bundren had reorganized the platoons, the enemy attacked them from the rear. Lieutenant Bundren, realizing the danger, organized two squads and personally lead them against the enemy. He conducted an attack with such intensity that the enemy was forced to withdraw, abandoning their machine guns, and were forced back against the reserve company which captured them. Lieutenant Bundren's determination, personal courage, and disregard for his own safety reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 24 (27 January 1951)
Home of Record: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
BURKE, SHERMAN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Sherman H. Burke (0-62829), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 29 April 1951, near Seoul, Korea, Captain Burke's unit had the mission of occupying a blocking position in the rear of a second company's flank. In order to do this and restore the main line of resistance which the enemy had penetrated, it was necessary to seize a hill in the area which was believed to be lightly occupied. Captain Burke and his platoon started at daylight to advance along a ridge, when a well-entrenched and heavily-armed enemy force opened fire, causing casualties and halting the advance. Although greatly outnumbered, Captain Burke, encouraged and directed their efforts, that the enemy's attempts to eject his troops from the ridge were futile. Again ignoring the intense enemy fire, coming from three directions, Captain Burke, moving from one place to another, supervised every element of his unit; and after placing preparatory fields of fire on the hostile positions, he led the unit in a coordinated attack, killing at least five enemy snipers as he moved forward, ahead of the assault. Captain Burke's outstanding exhibition of gallantry and aggressive leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 262 (8 July 1951)
Home of Record: California
BUTLER, CHARLES LEWIS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles Lewis Butler (0-62588), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action during the period 6 June 1972 to 21 June 1972, while serving with Advisory Team 51 as Advisor to the 31st Regiment, 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Butler was operating with a task force at Tan Khai to establish and maintain a base from which to provide fire support for the most forward elements of the division engaged in relieving the siege on An Loc. Realizing the importance of the Tan Khai base to the friendly forces, the enemy relentlessly subjected the base to fierce ground attacks and a heavy volume of mortar, artillery and rocket fire. Colonel Butler, without regard for his own safety repeatedly walked the perimeter checking the defensive positions and providing advise and assistance to the Vietnamese in establishing a sound defensive network. Repeatedly throughout this period he exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to request and direct numerous deadly effective artillery and tactical air strikes upon the enemy. He succeeded in influencing the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in the division to probe and expand the perimeter of the Tan Khai base to reduce the enemy mortar and anti-aircraft sites in the area. Through his untiring efforts he was instrumental to the artillery units firing counter mortar fire during enemy attacks. Colonel Butler by his demonstrated courage and personal example inspired and exhorted the friendly troops to excel and to maintain the vital base at Tan Khai. Lieutenant Colonel Butler's conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Home of Record: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Other Award: Silver Star w/OLC (Vietnam)
BUTTS, WILLIAM H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to First Lieutenant William G. Butts, Infantry, Company "L", 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 20 May 1951, near Puganni, Korea, "L" Company was attacking enemy-held positions on Hill 492. As Lieutenant Butts and his platoon advanced across an open rice paddy about 25 yards from a river, they were pinned down by the severe firepower from the advantageously located hostile emplacements on the summit above. Ignoring the intense fire sweeping the area, Lieutenant Butts moved among his men, helping them to their feet and encouraging them to continue to move forward. Wading into t he river, he led them unfalteringly through the swift waist-high water to the opposite side, where the intensity of the enemy fire became even greater. The platoon advanced approximately 500 yards further under the increased enemy defensive efforts, when it was once more halted and pinned down. Lieutenant Butts, then effectively grouping the unit, personally led the platoon in a bayonet assault on the hill. The charge carried the troops to within a short distance of the objective and Lieutenant Butts was spiritedly urging them onward when he fell mortally wounded by the hostile fusillade. The daring gallantry and inspirational leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Butts reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
CALDERON, GILBERTO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gilberto Calderon (ER30411615), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 22 December 1950, near Tong-ni, Korea, Corporal Calderon distinguished himself in action against the enemy. When an enemy column, which was approximately one-hundred and fifty in number, was moving toward his position, Corporal Calderon, assistant machine gunner, and the gunner waited until the column was about one-hundred yards from their machine gun and then commenced firing. Almost immediately a concentration of fire from mortars, automatic weapons, and small arms was brought by the enemy upon Corporal Calderon's position but he continued to carry out his duties in an outstanding manner. During this action, he left the machine gun and went for ammunition through intense enemy fire. Upon returning he calmly assisted the gunner in repairing the machine gun which had jammed. As enemy mortar fire began landing as close as fifteen yards from his position, Corporal Calderon assisted in moving the machine gun to another position where he carried on his mission forcing the enemy to deploy and withdraw leaving behind eighty-one dead and four wounded. Corporal Calderon's resourcefulness and heroism on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 19 (26 January 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
CARRERAS, ROBERTO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Roberto Carreras (RA10406512), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 27 November 1950, near Kowan, Korea, Private Carreras platoon had established contact with a numerically superior enemy force while advancing through a small village. The lead elements of the platoon received intensified fire from automatic weapons while moving forward. Realizing that the enemy fire was causing considerable hindrance to the advance of the platoon, he, with utter disregard for his personal safety, moved his vehicle to an exposed position to the front of the platoon and began firing the fifty caliber machine gun mounted on the vehicle. Immediately the enemy concentrated their fire on Private Carreras in an attempt to render his weapon useless. Then he moved his vehicle to a more covered position and resumed firing at the enemy supporting the platoon's advance. His intrepid action caused the enemy to concentrate their fire upon him enabling the platoon to move forward successfully. The inspirational heroism under fire displayed by Private Carreras exemplifies the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 14 (24 January 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
CARTAGENA, VICTOR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Victor Cartagena (RA10401644), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army, On 22 April 1951, Company E attacked and captured a hill near Onsu-Dong, Korea; during the engagement which lasted approximately three hours, Master Sergeant (then Sergeant First Class) Cartagena constantly exposed himself in order to point out and fire on enemy targets. That night, hostile forces attacked and subjected the platoon command post, held by Sergeant Cartagena and a few others, to severe fire. The enemy, of estimated battalion strength, continued to attack until daylight; and, while a slight withdrawal of friendly troops was necessary, Sergeant Cartagena personally silenced an enemy machine gun, organized defenses at great risk to himself and, with various weapons, inflected such heavy casualties on the enemy that they withdrew leaving a greater part of the objective in friendly hands. The gallantry and superb courage displayed by Sergeant Cartagena reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 546 (30 November 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
CAVAZOS, RICHARD E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Richard E. Cavazos (0-64593), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 25 February 1953, Company E, of which Lieutenant Cavazos was a platoon leader, was attacked by a large enemy force in the vicinity of Sangdong-Ni, Korea. The friendly company repulsed the hostile assault and inflicted numerous casualties. By the light of a flare, Lieutenant Cavazos observed an enemy soldier lying wounded not far to the front of his position. He requested and obtained permission to lead a small force to secure the prisoner. Intense enemy mortar and small arms fire completely blanketed the route to be covered. Nevertheless, Lieutenant Cavazos, with complete disregard for his personal safety, continued alone through the enemy fire to capture and return with the enemy soldier. Lieutenant Cavazos' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 194 (22 June 1953)
Home of Record: Texas
CAVE, EDMUND H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edmund H. Cave (0-59411), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Heavy Mortar Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 26 April 1951, near Yungam-ni, Korea, a large enemy force powerfully attacked and penetrated the western portion of Lieutenant Cave's company's perimeter. Heedless of the severe hostile fire, Lieutenant Cave skillfully reorganized the defense line into a tight resisting force which succeeded in beating off all further enemy attacks. When the ammunition began to run low, Lieutenant Cave, disregarding the danger to his own safety, worked his way through the hostile fusillade to an ammunition truck located in temporarily held enemy territory and returned to his own lines. Not only once but twice did Lieutenant CAVE perform this daring action, thus keeping his troops supplied with vital ammunition. The gallant devotion to duty exhibited by Lieutenant Cave reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 355 (14 August 1951)
Home of Record: Virginia
CHALOUPKE, FRANK J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Frank J. Chaloupke (US52177582), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, Private First Class (then Private) Chaloupke accompanied Company F in its attack on the enemy held Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. When Private Chaloupke found that two wounded men from his platoon lay near the mouth of an enemy cave, unhesitatingly and without regard for his personal safety, he attempted to go to their aid. As he approached the enemy cave, he was subjected to intense sniper fire. Refusing to take cover, Private Chaloupke and another comrade who was nearby, went to the position of the wounded men and proceeded to drag them down the hill to safety while constantly vulnerable to intense enemy sniper and mortar fire. On their journey down the slope of the hill, Private Chalpupke came across another wounded man whose wounds demanded immediate attention. While his comrade went in search of litter bearers, he elected to remain with the newly found casualty and administered medical aid to him in the midst of intense enemy shell fire. He then carried the wounded man down the hill to safety after the other two wounded men had been successfully evacuated. Private Chaloupke's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 363- August 28, 1953
Home of Record: Ohio
CHAMBERLAIN, SMITH B.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Smith B. Chamberlain (0-27587), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 March 1951, near Choksong-myon, Korea, Lieutenant Chamberlain, well in advance of his platoon, was leading the unit in an attack on Hill 398. When the platoon came under heavy enemy mortar fire, he returned through the shelled area and brought his men forward. Reaching a wall-like cliff, the unit was forced to take cover as the enemy hurled down grenades; but Lieutenant Chamberlain, followed by only two enlisted men, aggressively climbed in the direction from which the grenades were falling and engaged the enemy. On the arrival of one squad, Lieutenant Chamberlain gallantly initiated an attack but was repulsed by the intense hostile fire. Observing another platoon flanking the enemy, he held his position and maintained a base of fire which materially aided the assaulting unit to close with and route the enemy. Lieutenant Chamberlain's gallantry and courage were an inspiration to his men and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 214 (22 June 1951)
Home of Record: New York
Other Award: Silver Star w/OLC (Korea)
CHAMBERLAIN, SMITH B.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Smith B. Chamberlain (0-27587), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 23 April 1951, near Onsu-dong, Korea, the Third Platoon was occupying a defensive position on Hill 150 when furiously attacked by an enemy force of battalion strength. Lieutenant Chamberlain, platoon leader, observing that his recoilless rifle positions were being overrun, raced 400 yards to reorganize that part of his platoon. Upon returning to the command post, he was cut off by hostile troops; undaunted, Lieutenant Chamberlain charged through the enemy soldiers killing five with grenades and accurate fire from his weapon. Immediately informing the company commander of the situation, he was advised to withdraw 600 yards to Hill 147. Lieutenant Chamberlain, realizing that such an action would expose the left flank of Company F, ordered a slight displacement to the highest point of Hill 150 where, spurred by his inspirational leadership, the platoon repulsed the fanatical attacks and held the strategic hill. Lieutenant Chamberlain's gallantry, courage, and outstanding tactical skill reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 429 (21 September 1951)
Home of Record: New York
Other Award: Silver Star (Korea)
CHILDS, GEORGE W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George W. Childs (0-20294), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the period 5 to 11 December 1950 in the vicinity of Sudong, Korea, Lieutenant Colonel Childs organized and commanded a task force to assist in covering the withdrawal of the First United States Marine Division. Throughout the five difficult and critical days that the task force was under hostile fire, Lieutenant Colonel Childs with utter disregard for his own personal safety was always exposing himself to enemy fire in order to check fields of fire and direct gun positions. His tactical skill, conspicuous bravery, and tireless energy stimulated morale and contributed greatly to the successful evacuation of the entrapped allied forces and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 27 (30 January 1951)
Home of Record: Nebraska
CHLOUPEK, LAURENCE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Laurence E. Chloupek (0-44094), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company E made an assault on enemy held Hill 412. Colonel Chloupek had been directing the progress of the mission and controlling supporting fires by means of radio communications from an advantageous position in the command post on the main line of resistance. When increasing enemy fire disrupted communications, Colonel Chloupek made his way to the safe lane and forward of the main line where he came upon returning casualties. While under continuous and intense shelling by enemy mortar and artillery, he organized litter teams and directed the work while personally evacuating several of the more seriously wounded. Displaying an outstanding command ability in an area raked by fire, he effectively directed the resupply of ammunition to attacking troops on Hill 412. In the course of the action, Colonel Chloupek was wounded, but continued his actions until the assault element again returned to the safety of friendly lines. Colonel Chloupek's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 347 (17 August 1953)
Home of Record: Minnesota
CIRINO-RIVERA, ARTHUR D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Arthur D. Cirino-Rivera (RA29188854), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I. 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 4 February 1951, near Chomchon, Korea, Private Cirino-Rivera was the radio operator attached to a platoon that was advancing under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire. The platoon was charging over a small hill, raked by enemy fire. Private Cirino-Rivera saw that several of the men were reluctant to move through the incessant enemy barrage. He rushed forward, shouting for the others to follow. His example inspired the rest of the platoon and they followed him over the crest of the hill and toward the enemy positions. Private Cirino-Rivera was cut down by a full burst of machine gun fire. Private Cirino-Rivera's display of courage, determination, and complete disregard for his personal safety inspired his comrades and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 113 (23 April 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
CITINO, JULIUS W., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Julius W. Citino, Jr. (US52035383), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 7th Cavalry Regiment, in action against the enemy near Lyanjo, Korea, on 27 September 1951. At about 0100 hours K Company came under the intense determined attack of a battalion of CCF attempting to seize the peak of Hill 339. The fierceness of the attack overran both flanks of the company and threatened to take the top off the hill. While confusion reigned on the left flank, and after both machine guns were silenced by the enemy, the disorganized platoon withdrew over the top of the hill. The enemy immediately re-formed and began to assault the top of the hill. Private First Class (then Private) Citino, a radio operator, new to the company, came forward and was directed him to get the spare heavy machine gun in action, though he knew nothing of the operation of the water cooled weapon. Without further orders, Private First Class Citino picked up the weapon and tripod and a box of ammunition and rushed through the withdrawing platoon into the face of the enemy assault fire and set up the gun on the open ground opposing their attack, beyond the furthest friendly troops. He put the gun in action and fired into the attack which was then within grenade range. The enemy directed all their fire at the flash of his weapon and began grenading him from three sides. Private First Class Citino sat full upright to bring more effective fire on the enemy and dispersed their attack. The enemy company behind the lead element set up a mortar about one hundred yards away from the machine gun and tried to knock it out. Private First Class Citino, however, disregarded the fire and calmly put the water hose on the overheated weapon. He then called for more ammunition and prepared to hold again. The enemy set up a machine gun in front of him and directed an intense volume of fire at Private First Class Citino, who at this time manned the only weapon stopping the enemy assaults. The enemy then attacked with fifty or sixty men in a mass attack. Private First Class Citino, unassisted, and with great heroism, disregarded the blistering fire and sprayed his weapon right and left, killing the enemy. When the mortar bursts came very close he directed the fire at the sparks of the mortar and destroyed the weapon, until he discovered that the water can had been perforated and the gun was overheating. He stopped firing and threw grenades at the assaulting troops, fired a long burst at the enemy and ran around looking for water. He came upon a can full of coffee and used it on the weapon for forty more minutes until the enemy attack receded and I organized the men around his position. Private First Class Citino remained at the gun until daylight when the enemy withdrew from Hill 339. Light disclosed that Private First Class Citino's weapon and water cans and personal clothing had each been hit several times, although he had only been scratched. In front of his gun, forty-five enemy lay dead within fifty yards in a semicircle around his position. Private First Class Citino's great personal heroism and disregard for his own life saved Hill 339 from being taken by the enemy, and saved twelve seriously wounded on top from being captured by the enemy, had he left his gun.
CLARK, WALTER B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Walter B. Clark (0-65639), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, United States Army. In the early morning hours of 19 July 1952 the company of which Lieutenant Clark was a platoon leader was advancing against the enemy in the vicinity of Yu-hyon, Korea, when the foe directed an intense barrage of small arms and mortar fire against the friendly troops. Realizing that his men were becoming disorganized, Lieutenant Clark, shouting words of encouragement, reorganized them and fearlessly led them in the attack on the enemy positions. As he was nearing the enemy trenches, he was wounded by an enemy grenade but continued to lead his men, killing or wounding several of the foe. When his carbine refused to function, he threw away the weapon, drew his pistol and continued in the attack. Upon reaching the enemy trenches, and while hurling grenades into their positions, he again was wounded by enemy small arms fire. At last enemy fire of ever increasing intensity forced the friendly unit to move back. When the order to withdraw was given, he refused medical aid and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved through the heavy hostile fire assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. Only after all his men had withdrawn and all the wounded had been evacuated did he except treatment for his own wounds. The gallantry and selfless actions exhibited by Lieutenant Clark throughout this action reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 352 (2 December 1952)
Home of Record: Georgia
COLDREN, ROBERT H.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert H. Coldren (0-1925891), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 9 June 1953, as patrol leader of a five man daylight reconnaissance patrol to Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Lieutenant Coldren crawled within twenty yards of enemy positions, securing vital information which served as tactical intelligence for subsequent offensive action. Returning to the main line of resistance under a devastating mortar bombardment when the mission had been accomplished, he immediately volunteered to lead the support element in an attack on that position the same afternoon. The patrol departed friendly lines and set up on the position from which supporting fire would dominate the enemy stronghold. He directed a base of fire in close support of the assault group. On one occasion, while twenty-five enemy soldiers attempted to flank the assault element, he exposed himself to hostile fire to neutralize the enemy action. After an intense fire fight in which twenty enemy soldiers were mortally wounded, Lieutenant Coldren remained, the last man on the position, covering the retrograde movement of friendly forces under heavy fire. Lieutenant Coldren's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 279 (26 July 1953)
Home of Record: Ohio
Other Award: Silver Star w/OLC (Korea)
COLDREN, ROBERT H.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Robert H. Coldren (0-1925891), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June 1953, Company E conducted a raid on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Lieutenant Coldren was platoon leader of one of the assault platoons during the attack. Immediately after reaching the objective, his platoon became victim to intense raking machine gun and artillery fire. Lieutenant Coldren inspired his men to drive forward to the enemy positions, although heavy casualties were suffered. As he entered the trenches of the enemy, he rose to an exposed position, and mortally wounded two enemy soldiers. Shortly thereafter, Lieutenant Coldren was wounded by a burst of fire from an enemy automatic weapon and refused to be evacuated until his mission had been accomplished and his platoon returned to safety. Lieutenant Coldren's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 347 (17 August 1953)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
Other Award: Silver Star (Korea)
COLON-FONSECA, CANDIDO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Candido Colon-Fonseca (RA10405562), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 12 December 1950, Sergeant Colon-Fonseca was sent with the second platoon of Company L, as platoon sergeant, to take the village of Haton-ni Korea, about four miles from the company command post. When Sergeant Colon-Fonseca and his platoon crossed the river just in front of the village, they were met with an extremely heavy fire from small arms, machine guns, mortars in the hands of a numerically superior, well entrenched enemy. Receiving an order to withdraw, Sergeant Colon-Fonseca, without regard for his own personal safety, took an exposed position and, with two other men, kept delivering fire on the enemy to cover the platoon's withdrawal. After dark he was able to neutralize the enemy machine guns with his rifle and hand grenades. During the battle one of his two companions, a Republic of Korea soldier, was wounded and Sergeant Colon-Fonseca, after giving him first aid, carried him more than four miles to safety. Sergeant Colon- Fonseca's gallantry, personal courage, and disregard for his own safety reflect grant credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 121 (6 May 1952)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
CONTI, PASQUALE J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Pasquale J. Conti (0-133993), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 23 December 1951, the Second Platoon of Company F, led by Lieutenant Conti, was assigned the mission to provide supporting fire for Company G in an assault on enemy held Hill 200 near Sangnyon-Myon, Korea, with a secondary mission of assaulting the hill. Due to the intense hostile fire, the assault unit was effectively pinned down and unable to advance further. Upon the order to throw his platoon into the assault, Lieutenant Conti promptly moved his men forward. Almost immediately subjected to concentrated hostile automatic-weapons, small-arms, and grenade fire, he fearlessly placed himself at the front of his platoon and by his outstanding leadership, his brilliant scheme of maneuver, and his daring initiative he inspired his men to accomplish their mission. Although wounded during the course of the vicious battle he refused to be evacuated for medical attention and continued to direct the fire of his men. When the fanatical foe regrouped for a counterattack Lieutenant Conti accurately directed friendly artillery fire on the massed troops and effectively disrupted the enemy threat. When the order came to withdraw he successfully covered the withdrawal of his unit, although suffering from the loss of blood. Lieutenant Conti's gallant and unwavering determination reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 121 (25 March 1952)
Home of Record: New York
CORDERO, JUAN C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Juan C. Cordero (0-222751), Colonel, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 20 July 1952, Company C was attempting a withdrawal after completing a raiding mission on enemy positions near Chongdong, Korea. In the initial phases of the withdrawal the friendly troops were subjected to intense hostile automatic weapons, artillery and mortar fire from nearby enemy positions. Under the withering fire the men became disorganized and began to move in all directions. Realizing the necessity for the company to effect an orderly withdrawal and evacuate the wounded, Colonel Cordero, the Regimental Commander, continuously exposed himself to the hostile bombardment as he moved among the men, offering them words of encouragement and directing them through the heavy enemy fire. Inspired by his courage, the men assumed the initiative and continued to move toward friendly positions. At this time, the ridge line over which the withdrawal was to be made was subjected to heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire. Despite the urging of his executive officer that he seek a place of safety, Colonel Cordero refused to leave his men, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, braved the enemy fire to insure that all had reached safety and the wounded had been evacuated. Colonel Cordero's gallant and inspirational leadership was instrumental to the success of the withdrawal and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 303 (23 September 1952)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
CRAIG, CLETUS
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Cletus Craig (US55298359), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Korea. During the early morning hours of 15 June 1953, in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea, United Nations elements attempting to encircle an enemy force were detected and subjected to intense enemy artillery and mortar barrages. Many friendly casualties were sustained in the bombardment and Private Craig commenced to administer medical aid to the wounded and remove them to sheltered positions. Aware that the foe had infiltrated the nearby trenches, Private Craig courageously exposed himself to the enemy and directed accurate fire upon them to effectively cover the evacuation of a wounded comrade. His brave actions and disregard for his personal safety were instrumental in the successful removal of the man to an aid station. Private Craig's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders Number 482 (November 17, 1953)
CRAIN, CHARLES L.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles L. Crain, Major, U.S. Army, for courageous leadership in action against a hostile enemy force near Chong- dong, Korea, on August 21, 1952. While occupying a position approximately two miles forward of the UN main line of resistance, Company F of Major Crain's command was subjected to an intense mortar barrage and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the necessity for a quick evacuation of the injured, Major Crain left the comparative safety of his position to direct the operation. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved among his troops shouting words of encouragement and aiding in the evacuation. Inspired by their commander's courageous leadership, medical aidmen quickly moved the wounded to a position of safety. Major Crain's inspirational leadership and outstanding gallantry reflect great credit upon himself and his unit and are in keeping with the high tradition of the U.S. Army.
CRAWFORD, LETCHER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second Silver Star award to Letcher Crawford, Captain, U.S. Army. On 3 July 1951, near Turyo-Bong, Korea, Captain Crawford's battalion was attacking Hill 682 when supplies of ammunition and water grew dangerously low. By reconnaissance with a tank platoon, he selected a more forward position for a supply point in order to resupply the forward elements. In the gathering darkness of nightfall and under hostile observation, Captain Crawford was supervising the establishment of the new supply location, when the enemy opened fire on the area. Although the tanks had previously withdrawn and it was nearly dark, Captain Crawford voluntarily remained in his vulnerable position and resolutely continued to supervise the transporting of supplies to the forward units until the operation was completed. Captain Crawford's steadfast heroism reflects high credit upon himself and the military service.
*CRONIN, MAYNARD A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Maynard A. Cronin (RA11009089), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Aidman with the 224th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, in action near Satae-Ri, Korea on 1 December 1952. Sergeant Cronin, upon learning that the medic and other members of a patrol had been wounded, immediately volunteered to go to the aid of the wounded patrol. With great courage and utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Cronin exposed himself to enemy observation and fire to cross a mine field, reaching the wounded as quickly as possible. Although constantly under enemy small arms fire and mortar bombardment, Sergeant Cronin successfully administered first aid to prepare them for evacuation. While kneeling over a wounded comrade, Sergeant Cronin was hit by enemy machine gun fire and mortally wounded. The loyalty displayed by Sergeant Cronin was far above and beyond the call of duty. The supreme sacrifice made by Sergeant Cronin to alleviate the suffering of others serves as a constant inspiration to all who follow. The gallant actions and extreme self sacrifice of Sergeant Cronin reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 40th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 79 (2 March 1953)
Home of Record: Worcester, Massachusetts
CRONKHITE, WILLIS D., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Willis D. Cronkhite, Jr. (0-28269), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the morning of 28 October 1952, Company F attacked an enemy held position, Jackson Heights, in the vicinity of Kangong-Ni, Korea. Captain Cronkhite's company came under intense hostile mortar and artillery fire, causing elements of the squads to become separated and intermingled. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved through the hale of fire and reorganized his company. He then continued to direct his company in the attack. As the company neared the crest of the hill, the mortar fire increased and enemy machine guns swept the approaches to the objective. Braving the enemy's concentrated fire, Captain Cronkhite personally led his men forward in the assault. In the ensuing action, Company F completely overran the enemy's positions and seized the objective. Although still harassed by small arms fire, he continued to move among his men, directing their effective reorganization on the position and overseeing the immediate re-supply ammunition. Captain Cronkhite's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 194 (18 June 1953)
Home of Record: New Jersey
CUMMINS, CARL B. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Private First Class Carl B. Cummins (ASN: 55249047), Artillery, United States Army, distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 6 October 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Private CUMMINS was a member of a Forward Observer Party assigned to Company "N", French Battalion, which was engaged in bitter combat with a determined hostile force for the possession of Hill 281. At approximately 2100 hours, the enemy unleashed a tremendous volume of artillery and mortar fire upon the friendly positions, destroying the Forward Observation Post. Realizing the importance of continued artillery support, Private CUMMINS, with complete disregard for personal safety, moved to an exposed position affording better observation but subjected to enemy observation and fire. From that hazardous point, he continued to adjust accurate and effective fire upon the attacking forces until mortally wounded by enemy mortar fragments. The outstanding courage and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private CUMMINS were instrumental in the successful defense of the position and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 20 (17 January 1953)
DAMMER, HERMAN W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Herman W. Dammer (0-30634), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 February 1951, near Kodong-ni, Korea, the 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry, was attacking well defended enemy positions. During the six hour attack on the heavily defended, steep mountain, Colonel Dammer on numerous occasions, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to enemy small arms, automatic weapons, mortar, and artillery fire. Assuming a position with the leading rifle company in the attack, he effectively coordinated the fire and maneuver of his entire command. On one occasion, exposing himself to a heavy mortar and artillery barrage, he called effective counter battery fire upon the enemy positions. Colonel Dammer's gallantry, outstanding leadership, and aggressive actions were an inspiration to the officers and men whom he led and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 123 (6 May 1951)
Home of Record: New York
DAVIES, ALBERT C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Albert C. Davies (0-38916), Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 July 1952, Company C was assigned the mission of assaulting and securing Hill 167 near Chokko-Ri, Korea. They had completed their mission and began occupying their newly acquired positions when the area was suddenly subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage, causing several friendly casualties and disorganizing the friendly soldiers. Realizing the gravity of the situation the order was given to withdraw. Fearlessly, Major Davies, the battalion commander, left his position of comparative safety to direct the withdrawal of the friendly force and to aid in the evacuation of the wounded. With complete disregard for his personal safety, and completely oblivious to the lethal barrage, Major Davies continued exposing himself until he was assured of the withdrawal of all friendly troops and the safe evacuation of the wounded. Major Davies outstanding heroism and selfless actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 326 (25 October 1952)
Home of Record: Virginia
DAVIS, LOWELL M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Lowell M. Davis (0-65394), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Lieutenant Davis was directing his company in the defense of Outpost Harry against a numerically superior hostile attack in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea. The enemy began shelling the area with artillery and mortar concentrations. Soon after, the hostile troops began their attack with small arms fire and grenades. Lieutenant Davis immediately took control of the situation and began planning operations to strengthen the defense of the outpost. He moved through the platoon areas that were subjected to intense mortar, artillery and small arms fire to observe the attack and keep well informed of the enemy's action. He exposed himself to the enemy fire to rally his men and direct their fire at the oncoming foe. As a result of his courage and inspirational leadership, his men repelled the attack. Lieutenant Davis' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 204 (24 June 1953)
Home of Record: South Dakota
DePINENIL, JACK
Citation:
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.
Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 382 (5 August 1951)
Home of Record: Michigan
DIAZ, FERNANDO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Fernando Diaz (RA30432468), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 18 December 1950, near Hamhung, Korea, during a night engagement with the enemy, Sergeant Diaz braved enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire to re-establish communications between Regimental Headquarters and one of the battalions. When some of the members of his crew seemed reluctant to advance into the face of enemy fire, Sergeant Diaz unhesitatingly moved alone and examined approximately 200 yards of wire until the break was discovered. Still subjected to intense hostile fire, he calmly repaired the damage and placed test calls to the regimental and battalion switchboards before returning to the safety of the friendly lines. Sergeant Diaz's gallant devotion to duty ensured the success of the unit's mission and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 293 (18 July 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
DOOLEY, JAMES W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James W. Dooley (US55225201), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 9 June 1953, Sergeant Dooley was a member of the assault element of a patrol which closed with the enemy in an attack on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Sergeant Dooley exposed himself to hostile fire at the apertures of enemy occupied caves on the hill to hurl grenades which inflicted numerous casualties and neutralized the hostile fire. As six enemy soldiers charged from their bunker in an assault, he exposed himself to their fire and mortally wounded the soldiers. When a comrade fell seriously wounded on the upper slope of the hill, he immediately made his way up the steep face of the slope under intense enemy fire. Upon arriving beside the wounded comrade, the enemy hurled a grenade in the area. Sergeant Dooley threw himself on top of the wounded man to afford him protection. As a result of this action, Sergeant Dooley suffered wounds. With the protection of covering fire from the other members of the patrol, he then made the descent, carrying the casualty under full enemy observation and fire and returned the man to safety. The patrol then effected a successful retrograde movement to friendly lines. Sergeant Dooley's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 263 (23 July 1953)
Home of Record: Michigan
DOTSON, DANIEL W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a second Oak Leaf Cluster to Daniel W. Dotson (0967869), First Lieutenant, Infantry, Company L, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 19 May 1951, near Choga-dong, Korea, Lieutenant Dotson's platoon, having secured a position on a low rolling peak overlooking a swift flowing mountain stream, became subjected to fierce small arms fire from two enemy snipers higher up on the ridge line. Rather than expose his men to this danger, Lieutenant Dotson moved the unit into the cover of a draw where they could give protecting fire as he worked his way forward to the enemy positions. After cautiously advancing undetected upon the foe, he took careful aim and killed one sniper and wounded the second who managed to escape. As Lieutenant Dotson was returning to his position he suddenly came under fire of the remaining sniper. Hastily seeking cover, he returned the volley and subsequently shot the enemy soldier and killed him. Lieutenant Dotson's aggressive and heroic spirit reflects high credit upon himself and the military service.
DOWNEY, WILLIAM R. II
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William R. II Downey, First Lieutenant (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Officer with the 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of the Punch Bowl, Korea on 23 December 1952. First Lieutenant Downey was the Battalion Medical Officer serving at the Battalion Aid Station. Upon receiving word that a patrol from a company was in a fire fight with the enemy, Lieutenant Downey unhesitatingly and with total disregard for his own personal safety, left the Battalion Aid Station and went to the main line of resistance. Upon arriving at the scene of the fire fight, Lieutenant Downey organized litter teams of the men in the area and personally directed and supervised the evacuation of the wounded and dead. Throughout the operation, Lieutenant Downey gave directions and shouted words of encouragement to the men. Lieutenant Downey's undaunted courage under intense enemy small arms and mortar fire, his ability to organize and direct under adverse conditions and his quick and timely thinking was responsible for saving the lives of many of the wounded and served as a great inspiration to the entire group. Lieutenant Downey's courage, determination and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
DUGAN, WILLIAM A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William A. Dugan (RA33439811), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of Company B, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Dugan distinguished himself by heroic action near Pangdangdong-ni, Korea, on 13 October 1951. During its attack against well dug-in enemy forces, his company was subjected to devastating enemy fire and one platoon became pinned down by intense machine gun fire. Sergeant Dugan, Platoon Sergeant, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved into a forward and exposed position from which he directed his men and urged them forward in their assault. During the raging conflict, he received serious shrapnel wounds but refused to be evacuated and continued to lead the fighting. As a result of his tactical skill and fearless leadership, his men were able to secure their objective, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. Sergeant Dugan's heroic action and selfless devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders Number 27 (January 13, 1952)
Home of Record: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
DURAN, JOHN A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John A. Duran (0-1919467), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the night of 7 June and early morning hours of 8 June 1953, in the vicinity of Saagimak, Korea, First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) Duran led a patrol on a reconnaissance mission to enemy-held Hill 412. After having made contact with the enemy through a brief fire fight, the unit was moving back toward the main line of resistance when it encountered a large minefield which obstructed the return route. Aware that delay might enable the enemy to attack the patrol, Lieutenant Duran courageously advanced into the minefield to find a safe passage. With complete disregard for his personal welfare, he guided his men deep into the mined area until enemy mortar fire began falling in the immediate proximity. Lieutenant Duran immediately contacted the support element and directed accurate covering fire upon the enemy positions until the patrol had passed through the hazardous area. He was greatly responsible for the successful return of the unit with a minimum of casualties. Lieutenant Duran's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 525 (20 December 1953)
Home of Record: Georgia
DURBOROW, EDWARD F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward F. Durborow (US51171960), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 6 July 1953, in the vicinity of Haduch'on, Korea, Company K began an attack on enemy held Hill 250. Although the assault squads were soon subjected to intense automatic weapons and grenade fire, Corporal Durborow moved up and down the skirmish line administering aid to the wounded. Later, the attacking force suffered a number of casualties which required immediate evacuation. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he took up a position on the second crest of the hill where he could see the wounded and effectively directed the litter bearers in their operations. In the ensuing action, many members of the first assault squad became casualties when subjected to an intense artillery and mortar barrage. Despite the enemy fire, he immediately moved to the aid of his wounded comrades and was last seen attempting to reach a friendly casualty lying in an exposed forward area. Corporal Durborow's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 383 (8 September 1953)
Home of Record: New Jersey
DUSHKIN, MYRON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Myron Dushkin (0-1284682), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Tank Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 April 1951, near Yum-hyon, Korea, Lieutenant Dushkin was on a tank retrieving mission with his company. After they had reached the area of the disabled vehicles and had been working for some time, the retrieving party and the forward half of the armored column were attacked by the enemy with severe small arms and mortar fire. Immediately maneuvering his tanks into position to bring fire upon the foe in his sector, Lieutenant Dushkin, heedless of his own safety, stood exposed in the turret of his tank and fearlessly designated targets with his heavy machine gun. When his tank ran out of machine gun ammunition and the radio failed, he boldly dismounted from the vehicle and going from tank to tank directed their fire from outside by means of the telephone mounted on the rear. Then, re-supplying his own tank with ammunition from a second vehicle he continued to guide the fire against the enemy until their positions were neutralized. The bold and gallant achievements of Lieutenant Dushkin reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 216 (22 June 1951)
Home of Record: California
EPPS, JONES N.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Jones N. Epps (ASN: 0-60328), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, in action against the enemy near Hoengsong, Korea. On 12 February 1951, Company G was given the mission of forcing through strong enemy forces to an area east of Hoengsong, where a friendly regiment was surrounded and cut off, and covering the withdrawal of the surrounded regiment. The enemy made a desperate attempt to prevent the rescue operation by attacking the weapons platoon from the rear. As the enemy force of approximately 200 troops closed in on the platoon, Lieutenant Epps moved about his positions directing the defense and changing positions of his crew-served weapons to bring maximum fire to bear on the enemy. Under the inspiring leadership of Lieutenant Epps, the weapons platoon succeeded in dispersing the enemy after inflicting heavy casualties; held open the escape route for the withdrawal of friendly forces; and fought a successful rearguard action back to the United Nations lines. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Epps reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
ESCRIBANO APONTE, ANGEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Angel Escribano Aponte (0-1685755), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 4 June 1951, near Sanjan-ni, Korea, the enemy launched a strong counterattack, supported by mortar and machine gun fire against defensive positions being occupied by Company E. The First Platoon, commanded by Lieutenant Escribano Aponte, in forward positions approximately 200 yards in front of the main line of resistance, was virtually surrounded by the assaulting hostile troops. Lieutenant Escribano Aponte, to keep from being completely cut-off, ordered his unit to fight their way back to the company perimeter. After the majority of the platoon had reached the company area, Lieutenant Escribano Aponte and a small group of enlisted men still in the original positions were savagely attacked by the foe. Carefully utilizing their dwindling supply of ammunition, the valiant officer and his men held, stubbornly refusing to be overcome by the enemy. Deciding to attempt an escape, Lieutenant Escribano Aponte and his small band, after killing a number of hostile soldiers with a volley of hand grenades and forcing others to retreat, moved out toward their company's positions. They had gone only a short distance when 4 enemy soldiers attacked Lieutenant Escribano Aponte with knives. Fighting back, he killed two of them with the butt of a disabled automatic rifle, while his men eliminated the last two. Lieutenant Escribano Aponte's courageous and inspiring gallantry enabled him and his men to make a successful withdrawal and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 347 (10 August 1951)
ESTRADA, MARIO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Mario Estrada (0-2033790), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 4 February 1951 near Chayang-ni, Korea. Lieutenant Estrada and his platoon were under orders to attack and seize Hill 30. As the platoon advanced upon their objective, the enemy opened fire on them with machine guns and small arms. Lieutenant Estrada immediately ordered his platoon to attack and placed his machine gun where it would provide the most effective overhead fire. He then assumed the lead position, inspiring and encouraging his men to such an extent that the enemy was routed from his positions with heavy casualties. After the positions had been secured, the enemy immediately launched an overwhelming counter-attack which momentarily set Lieutenant Estrada's platoon back. Lieutenant Estrada again, without any regard for his personal safety, led his platoon against the enemy, personally killing four enemy soldiers with hand grenades. By his actions, the platoon successfully beat off the enemy attack, and the hill was secured. Lieutenant Estrada's performance of duty with gallantry set a very high example for his men and inspired them to such an extent that this difficult mission was accomplished even in the face of overwhelming enemy numbers. His gallantry reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Home of Record: California
ETZOLD, DAVID E.
Synopsis (Citation Needed):
David E. Etzold, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 3d Infantry Division in Korea.
FARMER, ROBERT P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert P. Farmer (US52166884), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 6 July 1953, Company K commenced to attack enemy held Hill 250 in the vicinity of Honu-chon, Korea. In the ensuing action, the first two sectors of the hill were quickly overrun. As the attacking force began advancing up the third slope of the hill, they came under a hail of fire from a large enemy machine gun bunker and supporting automatic rifle positions. Without regard for his personal safety, Corporal Farmer, a rifleman, started to rush the enemy position, firing his rifle as he moved forward. Shortly thereafter, he succeeded in climbing upon the roof of the bunker. Corporal Farmer then proceeded to hurl two grenades into the aperture. His accurate placement of grenades completely destroyed the enemy position. As he stood up to fire his rifle on other enemy positions, Corporal Farmer was critically wounded by enemy artillery fire. Corporal Farmer's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 362- August 27, 1953
Home of Record: Ohio
FARRIS, CLOFUS O.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Clofus O. Farris (ER15455790), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the afternoon and night of 16 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, the combat patrol of which Sergeant Farris was a member was advancing forward of the main line of resistance when it was subjected to heavy barrages of enemy mortar and artillery fire. As a result of the concentration, a number of casualties were sustained and Sergeant Farris immediately began to administer medical aid. In the ensuing movement back to friendly lines, he bravely assisted in evacuating the wounded patrol members, despite the heavy enemy fire, until several other men fell unconscious from the intense heat. Realizing the need for help, he volunteered to climb a highly exposed hillside, contact friendly elements and guide them to the disabled platoon. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he courageously ran up the steep slope in a valiant attempt to reach United Nations positions but was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. Sergeant Farris' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 510 (4 December 1953)
Home of Record: Kentucky
FELICIANO, HERIBERTO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Heriberto Feliciano (NG10405827), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 30 September 1951, Company I had the objective of seizing and securing an enemy-held hill near Chorwon, Korea, which was studded with a series of wooden bunkers and inter- laced with trenches. Sergeant Feliciano and other scouts, crawling uphill under enemy observation and fire to attack the positions with grenades, knocked out the first bunker. Although wounded several times, Sergeant Feliciano continued to advance through the enemy trenches and aggressively attacked and destroyed other hostile pillboxes until friendly forces had advanced and secured the objective. The exemplary determination, objective disregard for personal safety, and superb gallantry displayed by Sergeant Feliciano reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 550 (5 December 1951)
Home of Record: Penuales, Puerto Rico
FIGUEROA, FELIX
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Felix Figueroa (RA10400643), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 23 March 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, Company I was advancing on enemy positions located in the general area of Hill 221. Many of these emplacements were strongly entrenched and carefully camouflaged enabling the enemy to place severe fire on the assault troops. As he was moving with the company up the hill, Corporal Figueroa spotted an enemy position which was a primary obstacle in the way of the company's mission. Without hesitation he rushed forward across the hazardous terrain with his automatic rifleman to within five yards of the emplacement. There covered by the fire of the automatic rifle, he threw grenades at his foe until his comrade was wounded by returning fire from the enemy. After assisting the injured soldier to a place of safety, Corporal Figueroa returned to the scene of action and by effective use of hand grenades succeeded in neutralizing the enemy position. His actions witnessed by the whole company, inspired them to make a final assault and capture their objective. The gallantry and outstanding leadership displayed by Corporal Figueroa reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 202 (19 June 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
FIGUEROA, FELIX PEREZ
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Felix Perez Figueroa (US51062529), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 22 April 1951, while Company E was attacking enemy-held positions in the vicinity of Chungsa-ri, Korea, an automatic rifleman who was accompanying the forward elements was seriously wounded by hostile small arms fire. Private Figueroa voluntarily went to his stricken comrade's assistance and successfully evacuated him to a covered position. He then returned and put the abandoned automatic rifle back into operation, thereby maintaining effective fire support for the assaulting unit. Private Figueroa's selfless gallantry materially contributed to the ultimate success of the mission and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 293 (18 July 1951)
Home of Record: New York
FIX, JOSEPH E. III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph E. III Fix (0-60527), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 22 February 1953, Company A, under the command of Captain Fix, was holding a vital segment of the main line of resistance in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, when the enemy launched an intense company sized attack against the second platoon sector. Captain Fix, who had been at his company command post, immediately made his way to the point of greatest enemy assault under a devastating hail of hostile mortar and small arms fire. Directing the defensive fire of his men, he quickly realized the situation dictated reinforcements for the friendly platoon which, already under strength, was faced by superior numbers. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he again made his way under intense fire to the rear, returning minutes later with urgently needed reinforcements from among the cooks, drivers, clerks, and other headquarters personnel to bolster the defense. At a critical point in the action, he effectively deployed his men while exposed to constant enemy fire. In the fire fight which ensued, he positioned himself at the foremost point of enemy advance to direct and coordinate the defense. The enemy was defeated and withdrew, suffering heavy casualties. Captain Fix's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 231 (6 July 1953)
Home of Record: Colorado
*FLEMING, CHARLES H.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles H. Fleming (0-971789), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 6 December 1950 at Majon-dong, Korea, Lieutenant Fleming distinguished himself in action against an armed enemy. His platoon was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force during the early morning hours. Lieutenant Fleming, realizing the seriousness of the situation when his platoon's position was penetrated, went to the assistance of a squad that had been cut off. During the action he helped evacuate two wounded men; to reach the position required going through small arms fire. After he had returned to his original position he fired a rocket launcher into the attacking enemy causing great havoc. During this action Lieutenant Fleming's carbine jammed, he then grabbed a rifle which had been discarded and fired it until he ran out of ammunition, then used his pistol, and then picked up and used the rocket launcher. As a result of these actions by Lieutenant Fleming the enemy were driven off and the area restored. The extraordinary versatility, courage, and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Fleming reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 21 (January 1950
Home of Record: Connecticut
Other Award: Silver Star w/OLC (Korea)
*FLEMING, CHARLES H.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Charles H. Fleming (0-971789), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 January 1951, near Songhongdong, Korea, Lieutenant Fleming was leading his platoon in the attack on a ridge line near Hill 582. As the unit reached the base of the objective, it was suddenly fired on from the front and both flanks. Lieutenant Fleming, moving calmly and encouragingly among his men, ordered and led a savage bayonet assault against the primary objective, causing the enemy soldiers to flee their positions. Upon securing the objective, hostile automatic weapons fire was received from a small hill to the front. When two of Lieutenant Fleming's Sergeants attempted to observe and locate the enemy weapons, he ordered them to take cover and promptly took an exposed position, deliberately drawing the enemy fire and observing with his binoculars. Locating one hostile weapon, he pointed it out to his machine gunner and was attempting to locate more when mortally wounded. Lieutenant Fleming's selfless gallantry and outstanding leadership instilled the highest admiration in the hearts of his men and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 255 (5 July 1951)
Home of Record: Connecticut
Other Award: Silver Star (Korea)
FLESCH, JOSEPH M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph M. Flesch (0-31800), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the afternoon of 14 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kundong-Myon, Korea, liaison between Colonel Flesch's unit and an adjacent friendly unit had not been re-established following intense enemy action. Serving as Regimental Executive Officer, he was aware of the dangerous consequences which could result, and elected to personally make the contact. Accompanied by a lieutenant, he left friendly lines, and proceeded into disputed terrain in search of the friendly force, in one instance coming within one hundred yards of an enemy position. They proceeded approximately fifteen hundred yards through the area under constant enemy observation and harassing mortar and automatic weapons fire, before reaching elements of a Republic of Korea division. After quickly and decisively working out tactical problems necessary in consolidating the line with the commander of the organization, the returned to their unit, accompanied by a Republic of Korea liaison officer, again crossing the hazardous terrain. Colonel Flesch immediately made his report on the intelligence he had obtained from his mission and made recommendations for readjustments which resulted in an effective tactical deployment of the regiment. Colonel Flesch's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 379 (4 September 1953)
Home of Record: Missouri
FREEMAN, EUGENE D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Eugene D. Freeman (0-1289064), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Heavy Mortar Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 14 February 1951, near Oya-ri, Korea, Captain Freeman was acting as forward observer for a heavy mortar company when it was attacked by an estimated regiment of enemy troops. Captain Freeman's observation post came under direct attack by an enemy band armed with automatic weapons and grenades. In spite of vigorous enemy opposition and his constant exposure to hostile observation and fire, Captain Freeman remained at his post directing mortar fire on the main body of the enemy troops. The mortar fire was so effective that approximately two hundred enemy were destroyed and the success of a subsequent friendly counter attack was assured. The courage, imperturbability, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Freeman are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 73 (22 March 1951)
Home of Record: Kentucky
FULLER, CHARLES H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles H. Fuller (0-1332051), First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 6 December 1950, near Majong-Dong, Korea, Lieutenant Fuller voluntarily led a patrol to determine enemy dispositions and strength on a small hill to the unit's front. After approaching to within 300 yards of the enemy, the patrol was suddenly subjected to intense hostile fire. Lieutenant Fuller deliberately exposed himself in an effort to locate the enemy guns. When a mortar section arrived to lend vital fire support, he directed a concentrated barrage on hostile machine gun positions. Observing two enemy soldiers fleeing from an emplacement, Lieutenant Fuller fired his carbine at them, killing one and wounding the other. As soon as the volume of enemy fire began to decrease, Lieutenant Fuller ordered his patrol to withdraw, but he remained and directed mortar fire until the supply of ammunition was expended. After ordering the mortar section to withdraw, he discovered that one of his men was severely wounded and unable to move. Hurrying back to the company, he organized a rescue party and returned for the stricken soldier, successfully evacuating him to safety. Lieutenant Fuller's outstanding gallantry and fearless leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 278 (13 July 1951)
Home of Record: Minnesota
FULLER, CLIFFORD C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Clifford C. Fuller (US51156977), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 13 June and during the early morning hours of 14 June 1953, Company G set out to assault enemy positions on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. When three highly effective assaults had been met by the enemy with intense mortar and artillery fire, the order to return to safety was given. Private Fuller, an automatic rifleman, observed enemy soldiers moving toward some comrades who had become casualties in the close quarter fighting which had taken place. He immediately exposed himself to heavy artillery, mortar and grenade fire as he charged to the crest of the hill. There, he halted the enemy with accurate and effective fire while the casualties were recovered. He remained in this position until the last man had been evacuated. Private Fuller's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 316 (5 August 1953)
Home of Record: Massachusetts
GARBADE, ALBERT M., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Albert M. Garbade, Jr. (0-537624), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 26 April 1951, near Ilbisang-ni, Korea, when Lieutenant Garbade's platoon was suddenly attacked by an overwhelming enemy force, he issued the order to withdraw. After checking the positions to insure that all of his men had safely withdrawn, Lieutenant Garbade, the last man to leave the hill, was descending when he suddenly encountered several enemy soldiers. Killing one and wounding another, his actions confused and delayed the enemy attack long enough to enable the friendly forces to reorganize. Assembling his platoon a short time later, Lieutenant Garbade led his men in a savage counterattack which resulted in the recapture of the hill and the restoration of the former platoon perimeter. The outstanding gallantry, initiative, and leadership displayed by Lieutenant Garbade reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 247 (4 July 1951)
Home of Record: New York
GARCIA, JOSE VICENTE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jose Vicente Garcia (US51113825), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. In the early morning hours of 20 July 1952, a platoon of Company A, of which Corporal Vicente Garcia was a member was assigned the mission of making contact with the opposing forces in the vicinity of Chokko-ri, Korea. As the leading elements of the friendly unit neared their objective, they were brought under a hail of hostile small arms fire and the murderous fire of three enemy machine gun emplacements. During this initial hostile action, the platoon leader was mortally wounded and Corporal Vicente Garcia sustained severe wounds. Disregarding his intense pain and refusing medical aid and evacuation, Corporal Vicente Garcia assumed command of the platoon and set up a perimeter of defense. Oblivious to the hostile fire and disregarding his personal safety, he dashed about the fire swept terrain, shouting words of encouragement and lead a squad in destroying the nearest hostile machine gun emplacement. When the volume of enemy fire increased and forced the withdrawal of the friendly unit, he recovered the body of the mortally wounded platoon leader, acted as rear guard and directed the withdrawal of the friendly unit with its wounded, Corporal Vicente Garcia's aggressive leadership and gallantry were instrumental in saving the lives of his wounded comrades and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 367 (17 December 1952)
Home of Record: New York
GARMAN, RAWLEIGH, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Rawleigh Garman, Jr. (RA17315694), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June 1953, Company E made an attack on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Private Garman, an automatic rifleman, was the lead man in the assault element of the force. As they departed from the friendly lines, the unit came under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire. As they approached the objective, raking enemy machine gun fire forced the unit to take cover. Realizing that the delay would endanger the entire company, Private Garman leaped up and assaulted the enemy alone until his comrades could leave their cover and follow him. In the initial burst of fire, he mortally wounded or rendered casualties six enemy soldiers as they attempted to lay a base of fire on the friendly unit. A short while later, an enemy mortar round struck in the immediate vicinity of Private Garman, seriously wounding him. Nevertheless, he continued his assault until his wounds rendered him unconscious. Private Garman's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division. General Orders No. 347 (17 August 1953)
Home of Record: Minnesota
GARRETSON, KENNETH C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Kenneth C. Garretson (0-2028687), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 6 July 1953, elements of Company K moved forward to engage the enemy on Hill 250 in the vicinity of Honu-Chon, Korea. Lieutenant Garretson, commanding officer of Company K, was in charge of the attack. His initial action was to accurately brief the assault platoon, the support platoon, and all other members of the company so that each element understood the mission to the last detail. Lieutenant Garretson moved forward with the assault platoon and directed their actions through the entire operation. He also maintained control over the various other components which enabled them to be constantly aware of their part in the mission. When the assault platoon closed with the enemy and received small arms and machinegun fire, Lieutenant Garretson courageously directed his men and quickly effected the destruction of the enemy positions. All elements of the riding party were under heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, but he maintained control in his direction of the assaulting force. He bolstered the strength of his men by offering them encouragement and sustained their fighting spirit by giving orders and instructions in an aggressive and positive manner. His complete disregard for his personal safety, stamina under hazardous conditions, and accurate leadership, as well as his planning of the attack, brought about the successful accomplishment of the assigned mission. Lieutenant Garretson's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 367- August 31, 1953
Home of Record: California
GAVILAN, MELQUIADES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Melquiades Gavilan (0-974369), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 11 - 12 December 1951, elements of Company E were assigned the mission of attacking Hill 168 near Toyon-ni, Korea, and securing prisoners. The objective of the Third Platoon, led by Lieutenant Gavilan, was a prominent point on the hill, which was firmly defended by a well-entrenched and heavily armed enemy force. Advancing through the continuous hail of hostile fire the platoon was pinned down approximately 50 yards from their objective by an intense volley of automatic weapons, small-arms and grenade fire. Realizing a flank attack was the only solution, Lieutenant Gavilan moved about the embattled terrain, shouting words of encouragement to the men and leading them in a new flank assault. Before reaching the objective he observed one of his men lying seriously wounded near an enemy bunker and in danger of being further wounded. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Gavilan fearlessly exposed himself to the lethal spray of enemy bullets to go to the side of his wounded comrade and, though receiving a bullet and shrapnel wound in his leg, he disregarded the intense pain and carried the wounded man to a place of comparative safety. Refusing medical attention, he remained with his men and vigorously pressed the assault until the enemy was forced to pull back to secondary positions. Lieutenant Gavilan's gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 145 (12 April 1952)
Home of Record: Florida
GAVURNIK, ANDREW C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Andrew C. Gavurnik (RA7070102), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Company G, occupying outpost Harry, in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, was subjected to intense artillery and mortar shelling followed by an enemy attack. Sergeant Gavurnik, a platoon sergeant, having placed his men in the most desirable defensive positions, realized that to repel the attack most effectively, it was essential that his platoon be constantly informed of the enemy's movements. After having considered the imminent dangers involved in conducting this mission, he resolved personally to accomplish it. With complete disregard for his safety, he set out and advanced through open and exposed trenches to a forward observer bunker which was located within close proximity of the enemy. Upon arriving at his destination, he encountered heavy concentrations of enemy mortar and artillery fire. Nevertheless, he remained at his position, relaying vital information to his men until he was mortally wounded. His aggressiveness and courageous actions contributed materially to repulsing the enemy attack. Sergeant Gavurnik's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military serviced.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 222 (3 July 1953)
Home of Record: New York
GELABERT, JOSEPH L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph L. Gelabert (RA57011048), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 23 March 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, while attacking enemy positions on a commanding ridge, Company I was subjected to intense hostile small arms and machinegun fire which delayed the advance of the company. With no regard for his safety, Private Gelabert, accompanied by his squad leader, rushed over completely exposed terrain to within five yards of the emplacement. He courageously fired his automatic weapon while his squad leader threw grenades into the emplacement. Exhausting his supply of ammunition, Private Gelabert began throwing grenades until he was wounded by fragments from an exploding enemy grenade. His bold actions were an inspiration to his comrades. Private Gelabert's gallantry and outstanding courage reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 185 (12 June 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
GIBBS, CYRUS L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Cyrus L. Gibbs (0-1178162), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 19 February 1951, near Chomchon, Korea, while commanding the leading company of his battalion which was assaulting Hill 88, Lieutenant Gibbs continually exposed himself to small arms, mortar, and artillery fire in moving from place to place throughout the zone of action. When the leading platoon was pinned down by withering enemy fire, Lieutenant Gibbs unhesitatingly moved forward, reorganized the unit, and led an inspired assault on the enemy emplacements. Lieutenant Gibbs' gallant and aggressive actions enabled his company to secure its objective and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 196 (17 June 1951)
Home of Record: Texas
GIGLIO, RUDOLPH F.L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Rudolph F.L. Giglio (0-63399), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 18 September 1951, the 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry was heavily engaged with the enemy in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea. During the course of this action Company M was subjected to extremely heavy artillery, mortar and small-arms fire, resulting in numerous friendly casualties. The Company Commander had been wounded and was evacuated, where upon Lieutenant Giglio assumed command of the Company. The intensity of the hostile barrage forced the friendly forces to withdraw and while moving to new positions many of the men became confused and disorganized. Quickly realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lieutenant Giglio moved about the embattled area, directing the men into new positions from where they could continue their support to the Battalion. After his unit was reorganized and again firing at the hostile forces, he continued to expose himself to the lethal enemy fire as he personally supervised the evacuation of the wounded and the recovery of equipment that had been left behind. When the order to withdraw was received, Lieutenant Giglio stayed behind to make sure that all wounded and equipment had been loaded on tanks, although by this time the enemy bombardment had increased. His courageous determination and untiring devotion to duty saved the lives of many of his comrades and prevented much valuable equipment from falling into the hands of the enemy. Lieutenant Giglio's gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 137 (7 April 1952)
Home of Record: New York
GLEASON, WILLIAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William Gleason (0-23956), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding the 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 16 April 1952, Companies A and B were occupying defensive positions near Majon-ni, Korea, when they were subjected to an intense hail of enemy artillery and mortar fire. In order to give counter fire directions, Colonel Gleason unhesitatingly left his position of comparative safety and moved among his men, shouting words of encouragement and directing friendly fire on suspected enemy observation points. As the enemy barrage increased in intensity the men became disorganized and ceased their firing. Colonel Gleason, completely oblivious to the deadly fire, remained in an exposed position, urging his men to fire on the enemy positions. Inspired by his fearless actions the men assumed the initiative and laid down a withering hail of automatic weapons and small arms fire which drove the enemy from their positions. Colonel Gleason's outstanding gallantry and unwavering determination reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 318 (15 October 1952)
Home of Record: Utah
GONZALES, LOUIS M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Louis M. Gonzales (RA20217702), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy at the Walled City, Kasan, Korea, from 4 September 1950 to 5 September 1950. The second platoon of Company D was assigned the mission of taking and holding the hill within the fortified city on 4 September 1950. When the attack was launched, the platoon leader was overcome with exhaustion. In the face of heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire, Master Sergeant (then Sergeant First Class) Gonzalez promptly assumed command of the platoon and, evacuating the officer, reorganized the unit and directed its entrenchment. Throughout the enemy attacks which followed, without regard for his own safety, he personally directed the fire of his automatic weapons, repositioning them frequently to achieve maximum effectiveness. When the enemy troops were overwhelmingly reinforced and his position because untenable, he skillfully withdrew the platoon with all the wounded and equipment through intense enemy fire to safety. His prompt and vigorous action resulted in heavy casualties to the enemy and saved the platoon from annihilation. Master Sergeant Gonzalez' heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Home of Record: New York
GONZALEZ, RAMON DELGADO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ramon Delgado Gonzalez (US29145588), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the morning and afternoon of 17 July 1953, in the vicinity of Sinmok-Tong, Korea, Company B assaulted enemy held Hill 433. In the action, many friendly casualties were sustained and volunteers were needed to retrieve and evacuate the wounded attackers. Although fully aware of the dangers involved, Private Delgado Gonzalez bravely volunteered for the mission and soon began moving up the fire swept slope toward a wounded United Nations soldier lying close to enemy fortifications. Despite the intense defensive fire, he courageously advanced toward the enemy and succeeded in reaching the casualty. Private Delgado Gonzalez then valiantly moved back down the slope with the casualty but was mortally wounded by an exploding enemy mortar round before he could reach shelter. Private Delgado Gonzalez' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 4 (5 Jan 1954)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
GOTAY, JOSE RAMON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jose Ramon Gotay (RA30402756), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 27 April 1951, near Uijongbu, Korea, while attempting to hold blocking positions against an enemy force, Company B was finally surrounded. Near dawn the enemy launched a fierce assault on the friendly outpost near the crest of Hill 476. Sergeant Gotay, who was in command of the defense position, continually encouraged his comrades to increase their volume of fire. Inspired by his exemplary leadership, the friendly troops fired round after round into the attacker's ranks, enabling the company to break out of the encirclement and withdraw to more tenable positions. Sergeant Gotay's gallantry under fire reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 279 (13 July 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
GRAHAM, JAMES A., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James A. Graham, Jr. (0-66945), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, Company F commenced to attack enemy held Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. The first unit to leave the line of departure was a volunteer eleven man assault element led by Lieutenant Graham. The mission was to attack and destroy known fortifications in two enemy caves on the forward slope. After reaching a point a short distance from the first cave, he ordered the rest of the patrol to cover him as he went on alone. He then pulled the pins of two grenades and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he started to rush the enemy position. Reaching the opening to the cave, he hurled his grenades at the entrenched enemy. His aggressive action resulted in mortally wounding three soldiers, thereby neutralizing the position. As he left the entrance, he came under a hail of automatic weapons fire from the second cave and suffered a wound in the leg. Despite his wounds, he reorganized his men and led them in the assault on another fortified position. The team succeeded in destroying this objective, as well. Only then did he permit himself to be evacuated to safety. Lieutenant Graham's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 279 (26 July 1953)
Home of Record: North Dakota
GRAVES, CARL L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Carl L. Graves (RA16424475), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the day of 9 June 1953, Private Graves returned from a reconnaissance of Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, where he had gathered vital intelligence information by advancing to within close proximity of enemy held positions, under heavy concentrations of hostile mortar fire. He then immediately volunteered as a member of an assault patrol. The patrol carried the action into the enemy trenches and closed with the foe in intense hand to hand combat. Private Graves repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to inflict casualties upon the foe. On one occasion he charged directly into the face of hostile fire and mortally wounded three enemy soldiers who were attempting to drag off a wounded member of the patrol. As a result of his reconnaissance, the friendly attack was well planned and coordinated. His aggressive part in the assault, contributing materially to the success of the operation, was instrumental in preventing an enemy attempt to capture a wounded member of the patrol. Private Graves' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 245 (11 July 1953)
Home of Record: Michigan
GRAY, CLIFTON W.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Quartermaster Corps) Clifton W. Gray (ASN: 0-28357), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 61st Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 31 July 1950, near Waegwan, Korea. While serving as Artillery Forward Observer with Company A, 8th Cavalry Regiment, Lieutenant Gray, after adjusting artillery fire on the enemy during the morning, was ordered to return from his exposed forward position to the Infantry Battalion Command Post for a conference. During the meeting the Command Post was subjected to intense enemy mortar fire which inflicted numerous casualties, including a wound in the right shoulder to Lieutenant Gray. Disregarding the wound and his own safety, he proceeded along a trial which was under heavy fire from enemy mortars and automatic weapons to an alternate observation post. From his new position he adjusted artillery fire successfully upon advancing elements of the enemy. His initiative and devotion to duty was instrumental in repelling two hostile attacks on the company front. Lieutenant Gray's gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 110 (September 27, 1950)
Hometown: Vermont
GREEN, CLAUDE E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Claude E. Green (0-1891905), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 23 February 1953, Lieutenant Green was leading an ambush patrol in the vicinity of Chich-on, Korea. When the patrol neared its ambush site, it was fired upon at close range by an enemy force. Lieutenant Green was seriously wounded in the initial burst of fire and tumbled into a small defiladed position. Sensing the danger to his men and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he ordered his patrol to return to a covered position and reorganize. Lieutenant Green was unable to move due to his wounds, but with determination, he kept his radio in operation, constantly informing his company commander of the situation and giving directions for friendly mortar fire, He was transmitting messages when he was assisted back to safety by two volunteers from his patrol. His actions were contributing factors in routing the enemy and inflicting many casualties upon them. Lieutenant Green's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 195 (2 December 1953)
Home of Record: North Carolina
GUFFAIN, TOMAS H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Tomas H. Guffain (0-1287699), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 1 April 1951, while leading his company in an attack to seize Hill 398 near Sopyonchon, Korea, Captain Guffain was confronted with the task of assaulting enemy emplacements over extremely rough terrain. Despite a devastating air attack, the enemy remained strongly entrenched and apparently determined to hold their positions. Captain Guffain, at the beginning of the assault up the hill's steep slope, moved fearlessly forward, in the face of withering enemy fire, to supervise the action. Realizing the need for effective leadership, Captain Guffain remained close to the leading elements of the attack until they reached the crest of the hill, forcing the enemy to withdraw. The gallantry and courage displayed by Captain Guffain were an inspiration to the men in his command and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 217 (22 June 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
HACKENSON, ROBERT D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert D. Hackenson (US55235754), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, Company F commenced to attack enemy held Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. When attempting to attack enemy positions on the reverse slope of the hill, the assault team was met by a hail of enemy grenades, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. Two squads from the support platoon were quickly called into the conflict. Sergeant Hackenson was a squad leader in this support unit. The platoon leader then asked for volunteers to form an eight man assault team in a rush of the enemy's positions. Armed with grenades, Sergeant Hackenson immediately volunteered and began hurling grenades into enemy trenches. Moving over the crest, he came under automatic weapons fire from a concealed enemy position. Exposing himself to the raking fire, he continued his advance, throwing grenades with devastating effect. His actions resulted in mortally wounding four of the enemy, rendering others as casualties, and contributing immeasurably towards the complete rout of the enemy from their entrenched positions. Sergeant Hackenson's outstanding gallantry and devotions to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 274 (26 July 1953)
Home of Record: Illinois
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to David Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 6 February 1951 near Soam-ni, Korea, the lead elements of Sergeant Hackworth's task force were subjected to heavy small arms and mortar fire. After organizing his men in advantageous positions, he mounted a tank and directed a heavy volume of effective machine gun fire at the hostile emplacements. When his ammunition was exhausted, he immediately moved to the exposed deck of another tank and directed its weapon against the foe. Although the enemy concentrated their firepower on his position, he continued his mission until he was severely wounded. Sergeant Hackworth's valorous initiative, determined spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself, his unit and the Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 208 (April 13, 1951)
Other Award: 3@ Silver Stars (Korea), 2@ DSCs (Vietnam), 7@ Silver Stars (Vietnam)
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to David Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 8 August 1951, Lieutenant Hackworth volunteered to lead a reinforced patrol against well-defended positions near Pongmi, Korea. When the enemy began an intense small arms and automatic weapons barrage, he left his place of cover to emplace the tanks and half-tracks and to direct their fire. Moving to the front, he led the infantrymen in a furious grenade and bayonet assault to rout the hostile forces from the initial strongpoints. Although under the direct observation of the enemy, he continued to direct an effective heavy weapons barrage on their positions. When the overwhelming numerical superiority of the foe forced a withdrawal, he manned a machine gun and gave supporting fire until the last of the patrol had reached safety. Lieutenant Hackworth's valorous leadership, aggressive spirit and steadfast devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself, his unit and the United States Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 510, ( September 2, 1951)
Other Award: 3@ Silver Stars (Korea), 2@ DSCs (Vietnam), 7@ Silver Stars (Vietnam)
HACKWORTH, DAVID HASKELL
(Third Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Silver Star Medal to David Haskell Hackworth (OF-103837), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 27th Infantry, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, on 4 November 1951. Lieutenant Hackworth's unit was engaged with a well entrenched hostile force over the possession of a vital hill mass. While leading the assault squad up the slope through intense small arms, automatic weapons fire and bursting grenades, he was painfully wounded but refused evacuation and continued directing accurate concentrations on the main points of resistance. Finally leaving the impact area, he received medical aid. Quickly returning to his men, he led a spirited charge against the foe to overrun the position and rout the enemy. Unable to hold a weapon because of his broken arm, he accepted the assistance of an enlisted man, who held the carbine level while Lieutenant Hackworth placed heavy fire on the retreating enemy. He continued exposing himself to the withering crossfire in order to coordinate the tactics of his men and direct the evacuation of the wounded until he was called to the telephone and ordered to the rear for medical aid. Refusing to stay out of the impact area, he again went forward to assure himself that his men were well organized and all helpless soldiers were brought back to friendly positions. Lieutenant Hackworth's inspirational leadership, aggressive determination and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself, his unit and the Armed Forces.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No 8, (January 9, 1952)
Other Award: 3@ Silver Stars (Korea), 2@ DSCs (Vietnam), 7@ Silver Stars (Vietnam)
HANSON, FRED W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Fred W. Hanson (US28100328), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United states Army. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, Company F assaulted enemy defended positions on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Sergeant Hanson, who had been searching for alternate enemy positions, located a heavily defended cave held by the enemy forces. Organizing a supporting element to cover his approach, Sergeant Hanson, armed with grenades, advanced through a devastating hail of enemy fire towards the well fortified cave. Arriving at the desired location amidst the fire which the enemy were directing against him, he hurled his grenades through the opening of the cave and effectively neutralized the position. Sergeant Hanson's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 313 (3 August 1953)
Home of Record: California
HANSOTTE, HENRI E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Henri E. Hansotte (0-1874677), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 31st Infantry Division, in action near Sokkogae, Korea. On 17 April 1953, during an intensive offensive by numerically superior enemy forces, Lieutenant Hansotte moved into a key position in the battered command post where he could better observe the actions of the enemy. When hordes of the fanatical enemy charged through their own artillery and mortar fire, Lieutenant Hansotte stood in an exposed position in order to direct plunging fire on them. Although knocked from his position by the blasts from enemy artillery, mortar, and satchel charge fire, Lieutenant Hansotte returned to the position again and again, inflicting numerous casualties among the enemy. The fearless determination and aggressive leadership exhibited by Lieutenant Hansotte were sources of great inspiration to all members of the organization and contributed materially to the successful defense of the command post. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Hansotte reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 270 (May 31, 1953)
Home of Record: Massachusetts
HARP, ROBERT E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert E. Harp (0-1926049), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, Company F commenced an attack on heavily entrenched hostile positions on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. After destroying two enemy held caves on the forward slope in the initial contact, the assault was momentarily halted by intense hostile small arms, grenade and mortar fire. Immediately, Lieutenant Harp, who was in command of a support element, made his way to the most forward point of advance. Calling for volunteers, heavily armed with grenades, he led his men in a charge across the shell torn crest and descended on the enemy defenses. While hurling grenades with devastating accuracy and ordering his men to effective action, a hostile concussion grenade exploded at his side. Stunned and dazed by the explosion, he nevertheless led his men straight to the enemy trenches, ordering them to return to friendly lines only when ammunition was expended. He permitted himself to be evacuated only when ordered to do so by his commanding officer. Lieutenant Harp's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 256 (14 July 1953)
Home of Record: Ohio
HARRIS, JOHN E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John E. Harris (0-370107), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding the 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 29 September 1951, the 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, was attacking strong enemy positions near Chorwon, Korea. When the attack tended to falter and become disorganized, Colonel Harris, with complete disregard for his safety, moved across more than 500 yards of open terrain, rocked by intense hostile artillery, mortar and small arms fire to establish his observation post on line with the attacking elements, from where he was able to rally the wavering men and consolidate the position for the night. The following day, he personally directed and advanced with the rifle elements to the point where the attack gained the momentum necessary to accomplish the mission., During the advance, Colonel Harris was constantly exposed and subjected to hostile fire from automatic weapons and mortars; however, he undauntedly continued to direct the attack. For the remainder of the engagement, Colonel Harris operated from a forward position, much nearer to attacking elements than necessary, in order to maintain immediate control. The gallant leadership and exemplary courage displayed by Colonel Harris reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 517 (16 November 1951)
Home of Record: New York
HAYHURST, JERIMIAH V.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jerimiah V. Hayhurst (0-1918966), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 28 October 1952, the recoilless rifle platoon of Company H, of which First Lieutenant (then Second Lieutenant) Hayhurst was leader, was assigned the mission of rendering fire support to friendly forces attacking Jackson Heights, in the vicinity of Kangong-Ni, Korea. A hostile light artillery piece was delaying the friendly attack and because of the exposed position of the friendly forces, continuous delay would have caused numerous casualties. While relaying his fire command to his gun crews, Lieutenant Hayhurst's communications were destroyed by enemy artillery fire. With complete disregard for his safety, Lieutenant Hayhurst left his command post bunker and exposed himself to the intense enemy incoming artillery fire to personally carry the essential elements of fire data to his gun positions. While en route, he was struck by the force of an explosion from a close landing enemy shell, the flash blinding him and injuring his eyes. Although he was partially blinded, he reached his firing positions, giving each in turn the required data needed to accomplish the mission. His courage and steadfast determination resulted in the prompt delivery of the vital fire support which destroyed the enemy artillery piece and permitted the friendly forces to continue their attack. Lieutenant Hayhurst's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 176 (9 June 1953)
Home of Record: California
Other Award: Silver Star w/OLC (Korea)
HAYHURST, JERIMIAH V.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Jerimiah V. Hayhurst (0-1918966), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Company G, holding a defensive position on Outpost Harry, in the vicinity of Surang-Ni, Korea, was subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage followed by an attack by a large enemy force. Despite the imminent danger from enemy fire, Lieutenant Hayhurst entered an ammunition storage point to retrieve a wounded comrade. While advancing through the devastated area to aid the wounded man. Lieutenant Hayhurst was subjected to constant enemy shell fire. Though at times his path came within close proximity of the falling enemy rounds, he continued until he reached the wounded comrade and brought him to safety. Lieutenant Hayhurst then moved to the forward slope of the shell-ridden area, giving first aid to the wounded and offering them encouragement. Lieutenant Hayhurst's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 195 (2 December 1953)
Home of Record: California
Other Award: Silver Star (Korea)
HERNANDEZ, WILLIAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William Hernandez (RA10406523), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 January 1951, near Kalgok, Korea, Private Hernandez was serving as forward scout in a platoon assault on an enemy held hill. When he approached one of the enemy strongholds, Private Hernandez took the initiative and charged fearlessly up the forward slope. In spite of the incessant small arms fire and hand grenades thrown against him, he charged the enemy position throwing grenades into the midst of the defenders. His action completely disorganized the enemy and forced him into a disorderly retreat. Private Hernandez pursued the retreating enemy, firing his rifle as he ran. This outstanding display of courage and aggressiveness allowed the platoon to clear the enemy from the hill. Private Hernandez's actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 67 (12 March 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
HICKS, OSCAR A., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Oscar A. Hicks, Jr. (US55259918), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 6 July 1953, in the vicinity of Honu-Chon, Korea, Company K commenced to attack enemy held Hill 250. The assault platoon met with no resistance until entering the second sector of the objective, where they came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire. Sergeant HICKS, squad leader of the second assault squad, immediately began to move among his men, effectively deploying them and directing their fire. As the attacking force neared the crest of the second sector, they came under raking machine gun fire from a large bunker located to their left front. Without hesitation, Sergeant HICKS ordered his men to move to the right and give covering fire to enable him to rush the position in an attempt to destroy it. Despite the heavy fire, he ran to the bunker and, with a comrade, succeeded in climbing onto the roof. When last seen, he was courageously hurling grenades into the aperture. His heroic actions contributed in large measure to the destruction of the fortification and the successful completion of the mission. Sergeant HICK'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 404 (15 September 1953)
Home of Record: Missouri
HIGGINS, WALTER N.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Walter N. Higgins (0-57695), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 13 November 1950, Lieutenant Higgins was leading a motorized patrol in the vicinity of Handongson-ni, Korea, when a group of twenty enemy entrenched on a commanding ridge opened fire on his platoon, forcing it to disperse and take cover in the ditches on either side of the road. Fully realizing that he would be a target for intense enemy fire and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Higgins grabbed up a light machine gun and ran down the road and up the slope to a point from which he delivered sweeping fire at the enemy flank, killing two enemy soldiers, wounding several others and causing the remainder to flee. The patrol which had been driven to cover by enemy fire was then enabled to continue on its mission. Lieutenant Higgins' gallantry and heroism reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 139 (14 May 1951)
Home of Record: Texas
HINTERSCHIED, THEODORE "TED" R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Theodore "Ted" R. Hinterschied (US52060241), Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations near Pia-ri, Korea, on 15 - 16 September 1951. After a bitter conflict, repulsing fanatical enemy attacks, his platoon was ordered to withdraw and Corporal (then Private) Hinterschied covered the movement, throwing grenades and pouring fire into the ranks of the enemy and engaging in hand-to- hand combat before he rejoined his unit. Resupplied with ammunition, the platoon assumed the offensive and forced the enemy to withdraw. Corporal Hinterschied's courageous actions and calm demeanor bolstered morale and contributed significantly to the safe withdrawal of the platoon reflecting great credit upon himself and the military service.
HINTZE, RUSSELL F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Russell F. Hintze (US52125493), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June 1953, Company E launched an assault on enemy held Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Sergeant Hintze was the platoon sergeant of a platoon, forming a section of the assault element. As they approached the objective, the platoon came under intense enemy mortar, artillery and small arms fire, and suffered numerous casualties. Sergeant Hintze immediately organized several groups of men to evacuate the seriously wounded personnel to places of comparative safety. He aroused a high spirit of aggressiveness in the remaining members of the depleted platoon and encouraged them forward to meet the enemy in a close fire fight. On one occasion, when it was believed that the platoon entered a mine field, Sergeant Hintze, with complete disregard for his personal safety, volunteered to search for a safe lane through which the force could advance in its mission. Sergeant Hintze's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 347 (17 August 1953)
Home of Record: Maryland
HOFFMAN, LAMAR E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Lamar E. Hoffman (NG3445337), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the afternoon of 10 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company F attacked enemy held Hill 412. After the leading assault platoon had taken the crest of the hill, it attacked the reverse slope and was forced back by intense enemy fire. The platoon leader was wounded and there was danger of the troops becoming disorganized. Realizing the urgent need for leadership, Sergeant Hoffman left the support platoon and went forward to the assault platoon despite the intense enemy machine gun fire. Upon assuming command, he organized the men and prepared them for a new assault. He courageously led one squad after another in attacks on the reverse slope. When the enemy counterattacked, he remained in an exposed position to better direct automatic weapons fire on the attacking force. Sergeant Hoffman's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 382 (8 September 1953)
Home of Record: Ohio
*HORAN, ROBERT M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Robert M. Horan (0-27704), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 17 October 1950, Lieutenant Horan volunteered to lead a motorized patrol from Ch'up'ungnyong-ni, Korea to investigate a report that another company of the regiment was engaged in an intense fire fight with an estimated enemy force of three hundred men, and to render assistance to the besieged company or request any additional support required. En route, at Tommak-tong, Korea, Lieutenant Horan's patrol engaged the enemy, inflicted considerable casualties, and captured two of the enemy. When the enemy had been routed, Lieutenant Horan personally led his patrol in pursuit. Although in this gallant action, undertaken without regard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Horan was mortally wounded by the enemy, his aggressive leadership inspired his men to complete their pursuit and destruction of the enemy. Lieutenant Horan's outstanding initiative and heroism on this occasion are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 18 (25 January 1951)
Home of Record: Wisconsin
HOUSE, ERNEST J., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Ernest J. House, Jr. (0-1925514), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, Lieutenant House was in command of a platoon of Company G, occupying Outpost Harry, in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea. The outpost came under intense artillery and mortar fire followed by a numerically superior enemy attack. Lieutenant House, knowing that the heavy shelling would be followed by an enemy attack, immediately began checking his men to insure that everyone was in position to repel the foe. Completely disregarding his personal safety, he moved through the devastated area, contacting every man to reassure them and to point out sectors of likely enemy approach. When the main attack came, the platoon was prepared to effectively drive off the foe. Lieutenant House continued to expose himself throughout the attack to locate groups of enemy soldiers and direct the platoon's fire on them. His actions were instrumental in repulsing the attack and securing the outpost. Lieutenant House's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 204 (24 June 1953)
Home of Record: New York
*HOWELL, LLOYD B. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (posthumously) to Private Lloyd B. Howell, US53148463, Infantry, Company I, 27th Infantry, United States Army. On the morning of 30 June 1953 at about 0030 hours, Private Howell was a member of an ambush patrol of fifteen men which was sent out to an area near Chiumdong-ni, Korea. The patrol was fired on by the enemy from the left rear. The support group was called in to reenforce the assault group. Private Howell arrived in time to assist in repelling the enemy attack. He was then placed in position to provide rear security. When the assault group was ordered to charge a hill, which was occupied by approximately ten enemy soldiers, Private Howell volunteered to take part in the assault even though he had to move through a rain of small arms fire in order to reach the assault group which had already been formed. Leaving his position of comparative safety and exposing himself to the full intensity of enemy fire, Private Howell moved out to join the assault group. As he did so, he was hit three times in the head by enemy automatic fire and was mortally wounded. The outstanding courage and devotion to duty exemplified by Private Howell reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
HUME, EDGAR ERSKINE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edgar Erskine Hume (0-4033), Major General (Medical Corps), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Surgeon, United Nations Command, in action during the period 18 October to 21 October 1950. General Hume, voluntarily and without regard for his safety, made daring flights in light unarmed aircraft over enemy held territory within the range of enemy fire to visit frontal areas and obtain vital information concerning the medical requirements for the treatment and evacuation of wounded United Nations' personnel. While in these areas and under constant threat of enemy fire, he made his way through the front-line medical stations to coordinate personally activities in connection with existing medical problems. His untiring devotion to duty and presence in the forward areas not only inspired the members of the Army Medical Service to greater achievements, but contributed materially in aiding the United Nations' effort in the Korean campaign and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
HUNLEY, HAROLD H.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold H. Hunley (ASN: RA-12299053), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 11 August 1950 in the vicinity of Pohang, Korea. On the morning of 11 August 1950 Company I, en route to Pohang, was ambushed and surrounded by a numerically superior enemy force and suffered many casualties from intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. During the action Private Hunley was wounded and was ordered to withdraw. Before withdrawing, the voluntarily, with utter disregard for his wounded condition and personal safety, crawled 400 yards under intense enemy fire to retrieve a 1/4 ton truck and trailer. He then loaded three of his wounded comrades in the jeep and started back through heavy enemy machine gun, mortar and small arms fire. On the way back he saw a fourth wounded soldier and although under heavy enemy fire, stopped, loaded the wounded man into the jeep, and proceeded to drive his vehicle to a place of safety. The intrepidity displayed by Private Hunley on this occasion is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
*IGLESIAS, VICTOR MANUEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Victor Manuel Iglesias (RA10401041), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 23 April 1951, in the vicinity of Ognyo-bong, Korea, Company F was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. During the prolonged engagement, the Second platoon reported to the command post that the ammunition supply was dangerously low. Sergeant Iglesias immediately organized carrying parties and courageously made repeated trips through withering enemy fire to replenish the unit's supply. Receiving an urgent call for ammunition from a defensive position which was being subjected to concentrated fire, Sergeant Iglesias secured the ammunition and, while proceeding to the imperiled position, was mortally wounded by hostile rifle fire. Sergeant Iglesias' gallant and aggressive actions enabled the unit to contain the attack and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 285 (16 July 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
JACKSON, BRUCE D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Bruce D. Jackson (0-1925078), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 30 May 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Lieutenant Jackson led a reconnaissance patrol forward of the main line of resistance on a mission to enemy held Hill 412. Nearing the objective, Lieutenant Jackson dispersed his men in a perimeter to frustrate enemy ambush attempts and bravely advanced forward of the patrol to personally reconnoiter the immediate area. Moving approximately 75 yards up the slope, he was suddenly subjected to intense barrages of enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire and fell, mortally wounded. In this courageous move, he received the force of the enemy ambush and enabled his men to prepare for and repel the ensuing enemy attack. Lieutenant Jackson's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 14 (29 January 1954)
Home of Record: Florida
JACKSON, GEORGE D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George D. Jackson, Captain, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Manyon-ni, Korea on 27 October 1952. On this date, Captain Jackson was in command of Company G, approximately two kilometers forward of the Main Line of Resistance. At about 1800 hours, after intense artillery and mortar fire the enemy attacked the outpost. Constantly exposed to enemy fire, Captain Jackson moved among his men, coordinating the defense of the outpost and encouraging them until the enemy assault was stemmed. When one of his troops had his foot blown off by incoming artillery, Captain Jackson, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, went to him under heavy shelling and evacuated him to a protected position. At 2100 hours a tremendous artillery barrage pounded the outpost for thirty minutes with an estimated battalion of enemy attacking through their own artillery fire to storm the outpost. Captain Jackson's courageous actions and coolness under fire inspired and rallied his men. Captain Jackson's outstanding gallantry in combat and his devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 65th Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.
JIMENEZ, FELIX
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Felix Jimenez (RA10403269), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 January 1951 near Tongchon-ni, Korea, the 2d platoon, Company F, launched an attack on Hill 297. As the platoon advanced up the steep hill firing on the well dug-in enemy, Sergeant Jimenez, of his own accord and with slight regard for his personal safety, ran forward of his platoon throwing hand grenades into the enemy, demoralizing him and destroying his positions. He repeated this action five times although endangered by the enemy's attempts to check the assault. The gallant actions of Sergeant Jimenez inspired his comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 83 (30 March 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
*JIMENEZ-HERNANDEZ, ISMAEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Ismael Jimenez-Hernandez (RA30451709), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 March 1951, as Company F was attacking Hill 398, near Choksong-myon, Korea, the assault platoon was halted by intense enemy small arms, grenade, and mortar fire. Voluntarily, Sergeant Jimenez-Hernandez moved from his covered position over an exposed area, inspiring his squad to follow. Gaining a flank position where his men could bring fire on the enemy entrenchments, Sergeant Jimenez-Hernandez fearlessly exposed himself as he deployed his squad. Disregarding the heavy volume of hostile fire, he continued to point out enemy targets until mortally wounded. His unhesitating actions resulted in effective fire being quickly placed on the enemy, thereby saving the lives of many of his comrades in the assault platoon. The gallantry and courageous initiative displayed by Sergeant Jimenez-Hernandez reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 220 (23 June 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
JOHNSON, CLARENCE E., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Clarence E. Johnson, Jr. (0-2012847), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Battery A, 49th Field Artillery battalion, in action near Kuron, Korea, on 19 February 1951. On this date, Lieutenant Johnson was an Artillery Forward Observer supporting an infantry regiment which was attacking strongly entrenched enemy positions in a heavily wooded area. The lead infantry company was halted by intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Unable to adjust fire accurately because of the dense woods, Lieutenant Johnson, without hesitation, moved forward and assumed an exposed position where he could get clearer observation. Although the enemy concentrated their fire on him, he remained exposed to direct the artillery until the infantry overwhelmed the fortification and moved on to the next position where they were again halted by stiff resistance. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Johnson again moved forward to an exposed site to direct the artillery. The enemy fire pierced his clothing and equipment, but he remained until the objective had been secured. During this action a comrade was wounded and fell in an exposed position. Observing the man was in great danger, Lieutenant Johnson raced across open ground to the wounded man and carried him to a place of cover where he administered first aid. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Johnson reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Home of Record: California
JOHNSON, LAURENCE A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Laurence A. Johnson (0-33361), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding the 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Shortly after midnight on 26 April 1951, the 2d Battalion was attacked by the enemy in the vicinity of Ilbisang-ni, Korea. So furious was the frenzied assault that the enemy troops succeeded in surrounding the battalion command post and in breaking through a portion to the defensive perimeter protecting this nerve center of battalion operations. Colonel Johnson, moving decisively amid the confusion of battle, called for artillery support which he adjusted with devastating effect upon the enemy, even though shells exploded within twenty-five yards of his own position. He then formed a relief force from all available personnel within the command post area and, repeatedly exposing himself to the withering hostile fire, placed them in advantageous positions from which their added firepower aided in bolstering the defense line grimly held by the besieged troops. Unceasing in his efforts to withstand the hostile onslaught, Colonel Johnson, constantly reorganized and shifted his forces to meet new tests of enemy strength, personally supervising the resupply of ammunition and assisting the evacuation of the wounded. Throughout the night-long engagement his calm resourceful presence enabled the battalion to repulse the enemy attack and finally compel him to withdraw with heavy losses. Colonel Johnson's brilliant leadership and personal gallantry reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 507 (8 November 1951)
Home of Record: Washington
JOHNSON, WAYNE A. (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wayne A. Johnson, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action during the period 12 July 1950 to 16 August 1953, while being held as a Prisoner of War in Tiger Camp by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Private First Class Johnson subjected himself to the risk of execution by his captors. He did so by compiling and maintaining a list of over 500 American POWs, most of whom had died in the camp system. Even when the Chinese guards were tipped off about the list and destroyed it, Private First Class Johnson able to convince his captors that the list was intended for humanitarian and not propaganda purposes, and was released with a threat of harsher consequences, should he continue this activity. Regardless of their warning, Private First Class Johnson continued to add names to a hidden copy of the original list. When he was released during the armistice, he smuggled his comprehensive list home in a toothpaste tube. As a result of efforts by the Defense POW/MIA Office, this list has come to light and is serving as an important document for providing confirmation of death or otherwise resolving open POW/MIA cases. Private First Class Johnson's exemplary courage and selfless determination to provide a record of deceased soldiers, even in the face of death by a hostile enemy, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Home of Record: Ohio
JONAS, HENRY F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Henry F. Jonas (0-1119072), First Lieutenant (Chaplain), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Chaplain assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June and during the early morning hours of 15 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company E attacked an enemy held outpost known as Hill 412. During the attack, the objective and all approaches were subjected to intense artillery, rocket and mortar and small arms concentrations. As casualties began returning to the lines, Chaplain Jonas, with complete disregard for his personal well-being, moved down the safe lane to meet and guide them to safety and medical aid. He moved about, giving comfort and encouragement to the wounded and guided blinded men to safety. Observing indigenous litter bearers wandering about in confusion, he organized them into efficient litter teams and led them to the casualties. One walking wounded had lost his steel helmet and Chaplain Jonas immediately gave his own helmet to the wounded man, continuing through the fire without this protection. When the wounded asked for water, he appeared with a supply and saw that each man had some, depending on the nature of the wounds. When casualties could not be evacuated by litter teams, he personally carried several men to the comparative safety of the lines. Chaplain Jonas' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 317 (5 August 1953)
Home of Record: California
ONES, JOHN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John H. Jones (RA33721420), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Heavy Tank Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 30 January 1951, in the vicinity of Wonch'on-ni, Korea, at approximately 1030 hours, the Heavy Tank Company was assaulting an enemy road block with twenty-seven supporting Infantry troops. Sergeant Jones, a tank commander, moved his tank to a forward position one hundred yards beyond a heavily wooded bend in the road to neutralize enemy fire coming from the north and from the west. Four Infantrymen advancing with Sergeant Jones' tank were taken under terrific fire from the two positions. One man was immediately killed. The enemy allowed the other three Infantrymen to group together in an attempt to recover the body of the dead soldier and his weapon, but then commenced firing with machine guns, rifles, and mortars. Sergeant Jones faced his tank to the west and ordered his crew to fire on enemy fortifications in that direction. He in complete disregard for his own personal safety, climbed outside of his tank and standing exposed to the enemy commenced firing with his heavy machine gun. He stood exposed in this position for more than ten minutes while receiving a terrific amount of small arms fire over the turret of his tank. The machine gun he was firing was hit several times, the ammunition box destroyed, and baggage fastened to the turret of the tank was riddled by enemy bullets. He remained in his position until the three Infantrymen withdrew to a safe position with the body and weapon of their fallen comrade. Sergeant Jones' display of skill and courage reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 86 (2 April 1951)
Home of Record: Maryland
KAKAR, ABRAHAM S.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Abraham S. Kakar (RA19426679), Private, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 10 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, as contact with the enemy was made by Company F, Private Kakar performed outstanding acts of heroism while under fire from enemy small arms, automatic weapons, grenades and mortars. Charging up towards an enemy held cave with grenades in his hands, under the devastating hail of fire from the position of the enemy force, Private Kakar hurled his grenades into the aperture of the position and partially neutralized it. He traversed an area exposed to enemy mortar fire to obtain more grenades. As he was returning to his initial position, an enemy mortar round exploded nearby. The fragments tore the helmet he was wearing from his head. Disregarding this completely, he returned to his position and proceeded to totally neutralize the enemy held cave. Private Kakar's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 316 (5 August 1953)
Home of Record: Arizona
KILBARGER, NORMAN M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Norman M. Kilbarger (45034675), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for heroic achievement on 13 February 1951 while serving with Battery B, 15th Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea. When our column was stalled heavy fire caused the personnel to take cover. After dismounting from the vehicle, he voluntarily returned to his vehicle and manned a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on the vehicle, returning the enemy fire. He made several trips to the vehicle returning to procure ammunition and spare parts for the weapon. During all this period he was in an exposed position and drawing enemy fire. His cool and accurate delivering of return fire destroyed at least one enemy machine gun and silenced the fire of several snipers allowing the personnel to remount and the column to move forward once more. The following night when the order to abandon vehicles was given, Sergeant Kilbarger stopped a tank and that was leaving the scene of the action and placed three wounded men on the back of the vehicle. He then placed himself over the wounded men in such a manner that they could not fall off and that he would be hit by any enemy fire before the wounded men. The act was outstanding in that all personnel had been ordered to take cover from the intense fire. He realized that unless the enemy machine gun and small arms fire were stopped our losses in vehicles and men would be greater and that our chances of escaping the trap would be comparatively less.
Home of Record: Ohio
KING, RAYMOND W.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Raymond W. King (0-1540868), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 27 March 1951, near Hongbok, Korea, Company K was completely cut off from the remainder of the battalion by a superior enemy force. Lieutenant King, Weapons Platoon Leader, led his men in a bayonet assault on the hostile positions, completely routing and vigorously pursuing the enemy until the platoon came under intense automatic weapons and mortar fire from a ridge to the front. Lieutenant King, although in an exposed position on the forward slope, grabbed a light machine gun and placing fire on the enemy emplacements, drew fire on his own position, enabling a part of the company in his sector to withdraw to a place of safety. The complete disregard for his own safety, gallantry, and calmness under fire displayed by Lieutenant King reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 245 (3 July 1951)
Home of Record: Colorado
Other Award: Silver Star w/OLC (Korea)
KING, RAYMOND W.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Raymond W. King (0-1540868), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 29 September 1951, Company K participating in the 3d Battalion's attack on Twin Peaks, near Chorwon, Korea, encountered a strong area of enemy resistance, resulting in numerous casualties to the unit, including the company commander. Observing a state of confusion and disorganization developing in the company, Lieutenant King, Assistant Battalion S-3 unhesitatingly made his way to the company through more than a quarter mile of terrain subjected to intense hostile fire. Arriving at the area, he immediately assumed command, reorganizing and encouraging the men by moving about fearlessly in the deluge of enemy missiles. The company's position again consolidated, he moved it forward and continued the attack. The exemplary gallantry, initiative, and fearless leadership displayed by Lieutenant King reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 576 (26 December 1951)
Home of Record: Colorado
Other Award: Silver Star (Korea)
KOKOLIADIS, GEORGE T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to George T. Kokoliadis (RA11184063), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company E launched a assault on enemy held Hill 412. Sergeant First Class (then Sergeant) Kokoliadis was the leader of a squad forming a section of the assault element. As they approached the objective, the men came under intense enemy mortar, artillery and small arms fire and suffered several casualties. Although wounded in the action, he refused to be evacuated but, through words and actions, created a high spirit of aggressiveness and morale in the remaining members of his depleted squad. As his comrades fell wounded, he directed their evacuation to places of comparative safety. When his platoon leader was rendered a casualty, Sergeant Kokoliadis moved to his aid. Weakened from his wounds, he was unable to evacuate the officer, but remained there and administered aid and comfort to him until assistance arrived. While guarding the Lieutenant, he mortally wounded four enemy soldiers who attempted to close in on them. Shortly afterwards, friendly troops arrived and Sergeant Kokoliadis helped in the evacuation of his wounded leader. Sergeant Kokoliadis' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 422 (25 September 1953)
Home of Record: Massachusetts
KONEK, EDWARD A.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward A. Konek (0-1304913), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 2 March 1951, near Sokto, Korea, a patrol from Captain Konek's company was brought under withering enemy fire while in an assault boat attempting to cross to the north bank of the Han River. Captain Konek, on the south bank with a squad of men, set up and directed a base of fire to cover the withdrawal of his patrol. As the boat neared the south bank, the enemy placed heavy mortar fire on the landing site and the reserve squad, but Captain Konek, completely disregarding the enemy fire, walked among his men reassuring them and directing their fire. As the patrol was unloading, a man was wounded and Captain Konek immediately went to his aid and, assisted by an enlisted man, carried the wounded man to a place of comparative safety. Unable to make radio contact and realizing that he must have supporting fire in order to withdraw the squad with any degree of safety, he proceeded across the open terrain to the battalion observation post and requested tank support. Returning to his men, he supervised the withdrawal and assisted in evacuating the wounded man. The selfless gallantry and exemplary conduct displayed by Captain Konek reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 215 (22 June 1951)
Home of Record: Maryland
Other Award: Silver Star w/OLC (Korea)
KONEK, EDWARD A.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Silver Star Medal to Edward A. Konek (0-1304913), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours on 27 April 1951 in the vicinity of Uijongbu, Korea, Company K was attacked and eventually outflanked by a numerically superior enemy force. Calmly organizing his unit, Captain Konek directed an orderly withdrawal to the adjacent B Company defensive perimeter, where he supervised the consolidation of positions before taking cover himself. Under the cover of darkness, the enemy succeeded in surrounding the friendly force, and subjected it to intense fire. Near dawn, approximately three hundred enemy reinforcements were observed approaching the unit's positions. Immediately deploying one platoon in a flanking movement, Captain Konek led the remainder of his men in a mass bayonet assault, driving a wedge through the enemy encirclement and enabling the beleaguered troops to begin a withdrawal. Although the enemy poured continual fire into the withdrawing companies from positions on a commanding ridge, Captain Konek's courageously remained in a completely exposed area, successfully directing his troops to safety with a minimum of casualties. Captain Konek's gallantry and aggressive leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 245 (3 July 1951)
Home of Record: Maryland
Other Award: Silver Star (Korea)
KONTOS, JAMES A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James A. Kontos (US51012907), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 8 July 1953, Private Kontos was assigned to a listening post of a strategic section of the friendly main line of resistance in the vicinity of Chungmoksil, Korea. As an enemy soldier approached his position, he remained concealed, waiting for the main body of enemy troops. Soon after, the enemy charged the listening post in platoon strength in a sweeping assault. Private Kontos braved the ensuing intense volley of fire and hurled grenades at the oncoming enemy troops, inflicting numerous casualties upon them. As the numerically superior enemy troops overran his position, he withdrew to a more tenable location. As he was moving back toward the friendly lines, he located a wounded comrade. He immediately rendered aid to the casualty and gave covering fire until help could be procured. When aid arrived, he assisted in evacuating the casualty through the intense fire to the friendly lines. Private Kontos' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 303 (31 July 1953)
Home of Record: Maine
KROMREI, GUNTHER E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Gunther E. Kromrei (RA16399840), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division, in action in the Punch Bowl, Korea, on 16 June 1953. When a numerically superior enemy force attacked his platoon's positions, Sergeant Kromrei was in the direct avenue of approach. As the enemy began to infiltrate the trenches of his company, Sergeant Kromrei unleashed a murderous fire into the onrushing enemy in bitter hand-to-hand combat. During the heat of the battle, Sergeant Kromrei was instrumental in the evacuation of friendly casualties, thereby being directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his comrades. The superior bravery displayed by Sergeant Kromrei inflicted innumerable casualties on the enemy and prevented a serious breakthrough, thereby saving the lives of many friendly soldiers. Sergeant Kromrei's complete disregard for his gallant performance and his inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
LARA, STEVE C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Steve C. Lara (RA38341988), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June and during the early morning hours of 15 June 1953, Company E had the mission of raiding enemy held Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Enemy artillery and mortar fire began falling in the area, causing numerous casualties. Sergeant Lara, leader of a section attached to the support element, placed his assistant in command and rushed toward the objective under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, making three trips between the objective and friendly lines, evacuating the wounded men. Although exhausted from these actions, Sergeant LARA found a wounded comrade and evacuated him to friendly lines. Sergeant Lara's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 340 (15 August 1953)
Home of Record: Texas
LAVERGNE, PAUL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Paul Lavergne (0-928287), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 29 January 1951, at about half past midnight in the vicinity of Turung, Korea, Company A Command Post was surrounded by an estimated two hundred enemy who attempted a surprise attack. Their design was foiled by Lieutenant Lavergne, company executive officer, who gave the alarm and immediately sprang to an exposed position to engage the enemy with automatic carbine fire. This rapid and heroic action delayed the enemy attack, permitting his comrades to deploy, take up the battle, and eventually fight their way out. Lieutenant Lavergne lost his life early in the fire fight, but his heroic actions saved the lives of his comrades. His bravery and gallantry exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 69 (20 March 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
LEFORT, JOSEPH
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph Lefort (RA18386796), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company E made an attack on Hill 412. Sergeant Lefort was a squad leader in the 1st platoon of the assault element. As they left the friendly lines, the unit came under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire. As they approached the objective, enemy machine gun fire forced the unit to take cover. Realizing that the delay would endanger the entire company, Sergeant Lefort immediately moved forward despite intense machine gun and small arms fire, and effectively returned the fire, enabling his comrades to leave their cover and resume the assault. A short while later, he was seriously wounded, but courageously continued his advance until rendered unconscious. Sergeant Lefort's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 404 (15 September 1953)
Home of Record: Louisiana
LENDER, CHARLES W.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles W. Lender (0-1881783), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the night of 24 May 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Lieutenant Lender was the leader of an 18 man ambush patrol in position on the slope of an enemy held hill. The group was soon attacked by a reinforced enemy platoon. Lieutenant Lender immediately deployed his men to combat the attack and bravely directed their fire. During the encounter, Lieutenant Lender courageously advanced forward of the patrol perimeter to retrieve a radio dropped in the initial action. Ignoring the heavy enemy fire, he succeeded in reaching the radio and carried it back toward the patrol. Lieutenant Lender was mortally wounded, however, before he could utilize the radio. His valiant actions and heroic disregard for his personal safety enabled the men to contact friendly lines and direct reinforcements to the scene of action. Lieutenant Lender's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 14 (29 January 1954)
Home of Record: Illinois
LEON-GONZALEZ, RAFAEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Rafael Leon-Gonzalez (0-1685766), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 28 September 1951, in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, elements of Company I were assaulting a strategically valuable enemy held hill. Although subjected to an intense enemy artillery, mortar and small arms barrage, Lieutenant Leon-Gonzalez courageously guided his platoon up the slope, rapidly firing his automatic weapon. Moving to within 20 yards of the well-entrenched defenders, he aggressively led his group into the forward positions and bunkers, constantly giving clear instructions to the men. He then directed a final drive over the crest of the hill, forcing the enemy from the objective. Lieutenant Leon-Gonzalez' outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 460 (26 October 1953)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
LERNER, ROBERT A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert A. Lerner (RA12420690), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 9 July 1953, in the vicinity of Chung-Mok Sil, Korea, Private Lerner was in charge of a listening post 750 yards forward of the main line of resistance when the position was attacked by a large enemy force. In the action, Private Lerner immediately directed accurate fire upon the advancing foe to delay the attack until friendly reinforcements could arrive. Despite the intense fire of the defenders, the enemy moved up the slope and seriously wounded Private Lerner with automatic weapons fire and grenades. Disregarding his wounds, Private Lerner courageously continued to defend the outpost until the enemy overran his position. Private Lerner evaded capture by moving from the hilltop and rolling down the slope. His brave actions in delaying the foe contribute materially to the success of the ensuing counterattack and defeat of the assault. Private Lerner's outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 494 (20 November 1953)
Home of Record: New York
LEVINE, SILAS D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Oak Leaf Cluster to Silas D. Levine, (RA14087330), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army. On 11 April 1951, near Nambong-Hyon, Korea, as Company C was supporting the 3d Ranger Company in an attack on strongly-held enemy positions, two platoons of the Ranger Company were pinned down and sustained heavy casualties. Voluntarily proceeding in his tank to this area, Sergeant Levine dismounted under the heavy fire and, assisted by his crew members, began to carry the wounded Rangers to the protection of the tank. Having placed the stricken men on the vehicle, they were then evacuated. Sergeant Levine's heroism and courage reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.
LEWIS, ROGER E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Corporal ROGER E. LEWIS, ER12246761, Infantry, United States Army, Company K, 31st Infantry, distinguished himself by gallantry in action near Sindok, Korea, on 4 June 1951. On this date, Corporal LEWIS’s platoon was attacking a heavily defended enemy-held hill when the group was pinned down by intense hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire. Observing the fire was being placed on them from a bunker, Corporal LEWIS, Complete disregard for his personal safety, charged up the hill firing his automatic weapon at a rapid rate. Reaching the emplacement, his BAR failed to fire. Corporal LEWIS then used his pistol and grenades to kill the occupants of the bunker. The intrepid and prompt action of Corporal LEWIS allowed his platoon to advance and capture its objective with negligible casualties. The gallantry displayed by Corporal LEWIS reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
LIBBERT, LORAN K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Loran K. Libbert (US55298681), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the afternoon of 16 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Private Libbert was a radioman accompanying a combat patrol on a mission near enemy lines. Approaching the objective, the force was subjected to heavy barrages of enemy artillery and mortar fire which inflicted several casualties and prevented further advance. The unit rapidly deployed in protected positions and Private Libbert sent a message requesting medical aid and reinforcements. Following this, he courageously left his position and exposed himself to the exploding rounds to administer first aid to the wounded and assist in their evacuation. He then bravely answered a call for volunteers to return to the main line of resistance and guide the reinforcements to the scene of action. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he valiantly moved toward friendly lines but was mortally wounded while moving through the intense enemy bombardment. Private Libbert's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 481 (16 November 1953)
Home of Record: Missouri
LIZARDI, VICTOR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Victor Lizardi (NG29153835), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company L 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the morning of 16 February 1952, a patrol from Company L was dispatched with the assignment of contacting the enemy on Hill 153 near Tongchon, Korea. As the patrol advanced toward its objective, it was subjected to intense hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire from a well-entrenched bunker. The initial burst of fire inflicted four friendly casualties and pinned down the remainder of the patrol, preventing its further progress. Private Lizardi, realizing the necessity for neutralizing this enemy position, completely disregarded his personal safety as he dashed through a withering hail of enemy bullets directly toward the bunker and, when approximately twenty yards from the foe, he accurately hurled two hand grenades into the hostile emplacement, forcing its occupants to flee. The inspirational heroism displayed by Private Lizardi in single-handedly destroying an enemy position reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 166 (29 April 1952)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
LOCKERMAN, JULIAN F.
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The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Julian F. Lockerman (0-1039443), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 29 January 1951, near Sanuisil, Korea, Lieutenant Lockerman was in command of a company that received a sudden attack by a strong enemy force. The command post was destroyed and one platoon was forced to withdraw. Lieutenant Lockerman, with complete disregard for his personal safety, immediately manned a jeep-mounted machine gun and opened fire on the advancing foe. Despite his exposed position and the fact that the enemy's attention was directed solely at him, Lieutenant Lockerman remained with the gun and fought off four enemy attacks. His murderous fire inflicted so many casualties on the enemy that he was forced to retreat. The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Lockerman reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 69 (20 March 1951)
Home of Record: Georgia
LOPEZ, JOSE D.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Jose D. Lopez (RA10402606), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 3 July, 1951, Company L attacked enemy-held positions on Hill 581, near Pyon-Gang, Korea. Sergeant Lopez, as field first sergeant, was with the Third Platoon in the initial stage of the attack; however, upon observing the First Platoon in trouble and with casualties, he quickly attached himself to the Second Platoon and led them to relieve pressure upon the First Platoon. While fearlessly moving about under heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Lopez suffered three serious wounds, but continued encouraging the men to hold their positions and to direct fire on the enemy emplacements. He received first aid two hours after being wounded and remained three more hours in the area, coordinating platoon fire and inspiring the men until hostile forces withdrew. The gallantry, leadership and resoluteness displayed by Sergeant Lopez reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders Number 559 (13 December 1951)
Home of Record: Puerto Rico
LOVE, WALLACE K.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Wallace K. Love (RA19396825), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Korea. During the early morning hours of 24 June 1953, in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea, the main line of resistance positions of Company K were attacked by a numerically superior enemy force supported by heavy barrages of mortar and artillery fire. Sergeant Love rapidly moved from man to man, giving instructions and fire orders. Later, he was informed that the attackers had overrun adjacent defensive fortifications. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he courageously ran across the shell-torn terrain and, utilizing a machine gun, directed accurate fire upon the foe until they were forced to retreat. Despite the enemy concentration, he then commenced to treat and evacuate the wounded. His brave actions were instrumental in the successful defense of the sector and alleviated much suffering. Sergeant Love's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders Number 482 (November 17, 1953)
Home of Record: California
LYMAN, WILLIAM J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William J. Lyman (0-537620), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding Company F, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. During the early morning hours of 18 January 1952, Captain Lyman led a patrol from his company up Hill 167, near Sangnyong-Myon, Korea, to establish an outpost from which he could direct the attack of the remainder of the company on the assigned objective. As the lead squad of the patrol neared the top of the hill it was suddenly subjected to an intense barrage of enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire and was effectively pinned down. Observing that the remainder of the patrol was becoming confused and disorganized, Captain Lyman fearlessly exposed himself to the withering hail of hostile fire as he moved among his men, encouraging, reorganizing, and leading them in an assault on the enemy positions so as to allow the lead squad to withdraw. During the vicious battle which ensued, Captain Lyman was mortally wounded, but his courageous initiative and leadership enabled the pinned down squad to withdraw with a minimum of casualties. Captain Lyman's outstanding gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 219 (23 June 1952)
Home of Record: South Carolina