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Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division
First Lieutenant William F. Vahlsing, 02028642, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company B, 32d Infantry, distinguished himself by meritorious service during the period 15 October 1952 to 25 March 1953. During this period, Lieutenant Vahlsing performed his duties as a Platoon Leader in an exemplary manner. Despite the large turnover of personnel due to rotation, Lieutenant Vahlsing, through constant supervision and intensive training, maintained his platoon at peak operating efficiency. His extensive knowledge of his men and their weapons, his superior tactical skill, and his ability to make sound, accurate decisions enabled Lieutenant Vahlsing to mold a well-coordinated, highly effective fighting team. Lieutenant Vahlsing's amiable personality and keen sense of fairness, coupled with his outstanding leadership, heightened the morale of the men under his command and inspired them with confidence and the desire to perform their duties to the utmost of their ability. The meritorious service of Lieutenant Vahlsing reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Pennsylvania.
Given A Bronze Medal Pvt. Robert F. Valentine, Deceased Received Wounds From Which He Died With the 7th Inf Div. U.S. Army, in Korea- Private Robert F. Valentine, brother of Grace Valentine, Unionville, Mo, was recently awarded the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for heroism 13 February 1951. Valentine, a member of the 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, left his position of safety to man a machine gun when his platoon was ambushed near Hoengsong Korea. Automatic weapons, small arms, and mortar fire was heavy. Silhouetted against a flaming truck, Valentine crawled to the machine gun, mounted on a truck, only to find it inoperable. His citation reads in part: "His aggressiveness and determination were an inspiration to his comrades and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service." From Unionville, MO.
The above was received by The Republican last week from the Public Information Office. HQS 7th Infantry Division, and it does not mention that Pvt. Valentine had died on February 14th as a result of the wounds he received on the 13th in the action mentioned above. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Valentine, who first received word of their son's death from a buddy of their son long before any official information came. - The Unionville Republican and Putnam County Journal 1951Jun06Page 1
Citation in part: On one occasion, when a rifle company on patrol in the vicinity of Chiso-dong, Korea, encountered a numerically superior enemy force and was held up by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire, with complete disregard for his own personal safety he voluntarily moved forward of the front lines, over open terrain, in order to rescue a wounded Marine. Throughout the entire action, he worked tirelessly and fearlessly in assisting in the treatment of wounded Marines until he was seriously wounded by enemy fire and had to be evacuated.
Headquarters 24th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 47 - 20 July 1950
Sergeant First Class Chester W. Van Orman, RA11016706, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company C, 19th Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself by courageous action on 16 July 1950 near Taepyong-ni, Korea. The position of the second platoon of Company C, 19th Infantry was being over-run by an enemy of superior force at which time Sergeant Van Orman exposed himself to enemy fire by standing up and firing tracer bullets to direct the firing of mortars on the enemy. He organized the remaining two platoons of Company C, setting up a perimeter defense and then went to deliver a message to Company A. Finding Company A had withdrawn, Sergeant Van Orman returned to his unit, remained in the rear until every man had been withdrawn, then led the men through the mountainous terrain to join friendly forces. The devotion to duty and outstanding leadership displayed by Sergeant Van Orman reflects great credit on himself and the United States Army.
Headquarters 24th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 52 - 22 July 1950
Private First Class Jose Vasquez, RA 19331924, Medical Department, a member of Medical Company, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, is awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement. On 12 July 1950 at Chochiwon, Korea, Private First Class Vasquez and a companion, while acting in the capacity of Company Aid Men for Company "K" observed two wounded American soldiers lying between American and enemy positions. In the face of heavy fire, these two soldiers twice attempted to reach their wounded comrades. Both were wounded while making these attempts. On a final attempt, Private First Class Vasquez and his companion reached the wounded soldiers and carried them to safety. By their heroism and disregard for their own safety, Private First Class Vasquez and his companion brought credit to themselves and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 254 - 28 October 1950
Sergeant Percy H. Vaughn, RA31379632, Armor, Headquarters and Service Company, 89th Medium Tank Battalion, United States Army. While driving an ammunition truck on 22 September 1950 resupplying critically needed ammunition to Company D's tanks during combat operations in Korea, Sergeant Vaughn's vehicle was subjected to intense hostile mortar and small arms fire which repeatedly hit the vehicle. Remaining with the truck despite the intense hail of enemy fire, Sergeant Vaughn continued to distribute ammunition to the tanks, rendering emergency repairs to the vehicle and drove it back to his organization, thereby greatly assisting his fellow tankers to continue their mission and saving the vehicle from complete loss or further damage. Sergeant Vaughn's courageous devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Entered the military service from Mississippi.
Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 490 - 25 October 1951
Infantry, Company "L", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army, 30 October 1950 to 3 August 1951, in Koea. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 306 - 8 September 1952
The Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device is posthumously awarded to Private Raymond A. Vernon, US51134261, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroism in action on 21 July 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Private Vernon was a member of a squad-sized patrol which was sent out in front of the Main Line of Resistance. Returning to friendly lines, they were attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. A fierce fire fight followed and numerous casualties were inflicted upon the enemy. The patrol leader ordered three men to go for reinforcements while the others gave them covering fire. Before the reinforcements could return, the remaining members of the patrol were overpowered by the enemy. Through his courageous actions, three of his comrades were able to reach safety, and numerous enemy casualties were inflicted. The heroism in action displayed by Private Vernon reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from New Jersey.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 239 - 22 October 1950
Private First Class Manuel Vierra Jr., RA19343386, Quartermaster Corps, 25th Quartermaster Company, United States Army. From 25 September to 8 October 1950 Private First Class Vierra rendered outstanding service as supply clerk in charge of petroleum supplies during the conflict in Korea. Operating fuel points along the route of advance of the Division, Private First Class Vierra surmounted many difficult problems arising from adverse weather, terrain, enemy action and the constantly changing tactical situation in order to furnish fuel to the combat units. His tireless devotion to duty greatly assisted his unit to accomplish its mission and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Entered the military service from California.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 458 - 29 November 1952
The Bronze Star Medal with V Device is awarded to Sergeant First Class Radomir Vignovich, RA17170576, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 19 September 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Sergeant Vignovich was commander of a tank ordered to gain the top of Hill 266, "Old Baldy", and support Infantry units in their attempt to secure the crest. Maneuvering through minefields and heavy artillery fire to reach the foot of the hill and disregarding the fact that spare ammunition on the rear deck was burning fiercely, he took his tank up the steep slope and assumed a position from where he could give supporting fire. He kept his tank firing, despite a hail of incoming mortar and artillery rounds, until almost out of ammunition. At that time, an anti-tank grenade scored a direct hit on the turret, disabling the gun and seriously wounding the gunner. Disregarding his own painful wounds, he applied first aid to his gunner, stopping the flow of blood and holding him in his seat throughout the return trip down the rough terrain to an aid station. The heroic actions of Sergeant Vignovich saved the life of his wounded comrade and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Iowa.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 233 - 28 June 1951
The Bronze Star Medal with V Device is awarded to Corporal Richard A. Vilandre, RA17261199, Artillery, United States Army, a member of Battery C, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 17 and 18 May 1951 in the vicinity of Pung-chon-ni, Korea. During the course of an enemy attack, Corporal Vilandre left his covered position and under heavy enemy fire brought a wounded machine gunner to safety. He then returned to the machine gun and manned the weapon during the remainder of the action. This act was instrumental in helping to repel the enemy attack. The heroism displayed by Corporal Vilandre reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Home of record: Crary (Ramsey County) North Dakota.
[Corporal Vilandre was born in 1932 and died in 1966.]
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 655- 31 October 1951
The First Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster to the Bronze Star Medal with V Device is awarded to Corporal Richard A. Vilandre, RA17261199, Artillery, United States Army, a member of Battery C, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Tera-san, Korea. On this date Corporal Vilandre, a member of a forward observer party, was ordered to return to the rear to procure a radio to replace the set which had been destroyed by enemy mortar fire. During his absence the unit advanced into the attack as scheduled. Upon his return, friendly elements were pinned down by intense flanking hostile machine gun and mortar fire, with his party located in the most forward position. Corporal Vilandre, with complete disregard for his personal safety and the intense enemy fire, proceeded to his unit's position. As a result of his devotion to duty, friendly artillery fire was directed upon hostile machine gun positions, inflicting numerous enemy casualties and greatly aided in the successful accomplishment of his unit's mission. The heroism in action displayed by Corporal Vilandre reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Crary, North Dakota.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 43 - 24 June 1955
Captain Doyle C. Vincent, Armor (then Infantry), Army of the United States, Headquarters Company First Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by heroic achievement in action against an enemy of the United States near Untaek, Korea, on 27 November 1950. During an engagement in which his battalion was the principal friendly participant, two vehicles were abandoned in territory afterward held by the enemy. On the day following the engagement, Captain Vincent, the battalion motor officer, led a 6-man patrol nearly 20 miles into territory occupied by enemy forces with the mission of recovering these vehicles. Although repeatedly subjected to enemy harassing fire, Captain Vincent executed his mission with such personal courage, leadership, and professional competence that the recovery mission was completely successful, and two vitally needed vehicles were recovered without casualties to Captain Vincent's party. Captain Vincent's performance of duty on this occasion reflects great credit on himself, his organization, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 102 - 10 May 1951
The Bronze Star with Metal "V" Device is awarded to Private Leonard J. Vincent, RA12329624, Armor, United States Army, a member of Tank Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 28 November 1950 in the vicinity of Pugwon, Korea. While his unit was engaging numerically superior enemy forces, the tank in which Private Vincent was bow-gunner received a direct hit from an enemy rocket which disabled the tank and started a fire in the turret. Although he was unable to assist in extinguishing the fire, he remained calm and continued to fire upon the enemy until ordered to abandon the tank. Dismounting from the tank, he engaged the assaulting enemy with point blank fire with his individual weapon and, while being forced back, was wounded in the leg. With complete disregard for his personal safety, and although in great pain, he courageously assisted other wounded men to friendly lines. The heroism displayed by Private Vincent reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from New Jersey.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 167 - 16 June 1951
The Bronze Star with Metal "V" Device (First Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) is awarded to Private Leonard J. Vincent, RA12329624, Armor, United States Army, a member of Tank Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 11 February 1951, in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea. On that date, he was a driver of a tank which was part of a tank force in support of friendly troops. During an attack by a numerically superior enemy force, the friendly positions were overrun. The enemy established a roadblock on the route of withdrawal. While attempting to break the roadblock, his tank was hit by a rocket-type projectile, which damaged his periscopes beyond repair. With complete disregard of his own safety, Private Vincent opened his hatch in order to get a better view, despite a devastating stream of automatic and rocket type weapon fire. At this point his tank was hit in the front, and Private Vincent was struck in the face with fragments. Only after his tank had been hit again and burst into flames did he abandon it. The undaunted courage and devotion to duty of Private Vincent reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from New Jersey.
[KWE Note: He was captured here and RTMC to 1953. He was previously WIA 3 Spt 50, RTD 3 Spt; WIA 26 or 28 Nov 50, RTD 25 Jan 51. His 1st BSV was for Kunu-ri action.]
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 39 - 31 July 1957
Private First Class Vincent Vivier, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on "Old Baldy" Hill, Korea, on 18 September 1952. When an enemy attack succeeding in overrunning forward positions and threatened to capture the entire position, Private Vivier maintained accurate and deadly fire from his machine gun on the attacking force. Despite heavy enemy mortar and small arms fire directly on his bunker, Private Vivier held his position until his weapon became useless. By his courage and deliberate calmness Private Vivier inflicted severe casualties on the enemy and repulsed the assault. His devotion to duty reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 499 - 16 August 1951
Lieutenant Colonel Ralph B. Vote, Jr., 051818, Military Police Corps, 25th Military Police Company, United States Army. On the morning of 7 March 1951 near P'abalmak, Korea, friendly forces were concentrating for an assault crossing of the Han River. During the entire operation, Lieutenant Colonel Vote personally patrolled on foot that portion of the road which ran directly past the observation post. Although the route was under heavy mortar and artillery bombardment, he repeatedly exposed himself to bursting shells to maintain an even flow of traffic through the impact area to the crossing site. His calm demeanor and resolute leadership in the performance of a vital mission were an inspiration to his associates and greatly facilitated the establishment of a firm bridgehead on the north bank of the Han. Lieutenant Colonel Vote's valorous actions and unremitting devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself, his unit and the Untied States Army. Entered the military service from Colorado.
Headquarters, 3ID
General Orders No. 33 - 7 February 1953
Award of the Bronze Star Medal (Second Bronze Oak-leaf Cluster) for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United Stated is awarded to Captain John C. Von Kaenel, 0450329, Infantry, Company A, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army, 6 October 1952 to 5 January 1953, in Korea. Entered the Federal service from South Carolina.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 199 - 8 June 1953
The Bronze Star Medal with V Device is awarded to Sergeant Harold R. Voss, US55163577, Infantry, United States Army, Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, who distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 21 March, 1953, in the vicinity of Changnam-Myon, North Korea. On that date an ammunition bunker containing approximately 220 rounds of 76 mm ammunition received a direct hit from enemy artillery causing a fire and several secondary explosions. Quickly analyzing the situation and realizing the danger that prevailed, Sergeant VOSS immediately ordered his comrades to remain at their bunker, a place of comparative safety, and in spite of incoming enemy artillery fire and the ever present danger of exploding shells, proceeded to extinguish the fire. Through his calmness, he was able to prevent possible injury to his crew and destruction of his tank and ammunition supply. The devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Voss, in the face of personal danger, reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Iowa.