In God We Trust
Browse: Intro | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 268 - 21 July 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Gene A. Badal (ASN: 0-1881523), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, (then Company A), 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 13 March 1953, in the vicinity of Pogwang Dong, North Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Badal heard that a friendly patrol had been immobilized in an unmarked mine field and that a previous attempt to aid the endangered patrol had resulted in the annihilation of the rescue group. Although under direct enemy observation, he courageously volunteered to enter the mine field and establish a safety lane. Marking his progress with tape, he carefully edged his way to the patrol and assisted in their evacuation. He then began aiding the wounded and refused to leave the danger area until all personnel had been removed to friendly lines. The heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Badal reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 181 - June 17, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant First Class George F. Bammert (ASN: RA-32920263), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 5 June 1951, near Saemal, Korea. On that date, he and some fellow soldiers were bathing at a river which was swollen from previous rainfall. One of his companions was standing on a rock a few inches below the surface of the wat e when he lost his balance and fell into the rushing water. Flailing his arms and shouting that he could not swim, he was swept downstream and sank below the surface of the water. Without hesitation and with utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Bammert plunged into the river and swam to the aid of the drowning man. He brought the man to the surface and swam with him to the nearest shore where he applied artificial respiration. As a result of his heroic and determined actions, he saved the man from drowning. The heroism displayed by Sergeant Bammert reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 287 - December 29, 1950
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Master Sergeant Julius E. Barefoot (ASN: RA-34306232), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C, 52d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, at Pakchon, Korea, on 14 November 1950. When a fire broke out near an ammunition truck he unhesitatingly rushed to the scene to fight the blaze. With utter disregard for safety, he mounted the truck, as it became enveloped in flames and removed the ammunition. In spite of the danger of explosion he continued to brave the flames until all ammunition had been removed. The heroism displayed by Sergeant Barefoot reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 35 - May 13, 1954
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant First Class Robert W. Barron, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, Army Language School, Presidio of Monterey, California, during a fire at the Presidio of Monterey on 11 March 1954. An extremely intense fire had trapped a small child on the second floor of the burning building. Repeated efforts by firemen and volunteers to rescue the child had failed because of the intensity of the heat and the denseness of smoke. Although warned that the floor of the building was weak and in danger of collapsing, Sergeant Barron, without hesitation and disregard for his personal safety, crawled up a ladder, entering the building through a second floor window, and by groping his way through the darkness and burning smoke-filled room, located the child and carried him to safety from the building. Sergeant Barron's prompt and courageous action reflect credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 5 - January 15, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Soldier's Medal to Master Sergeant Mike Barsosky (ASN: 6715037), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 20th Military Police Company, Fort Gulick, Canal Zone, on 2 November 1951. A fishing companion fell into swift, turbulent waters and was swept rapidly downstream into the boiling waters and whirlpools below Gatun Spillway. Recognizing that his companion was in dire distress and helpless to extricate himself from his grave danger, Sergeant Barsosky, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, jumped into the surging waters, fully clothed, in a heroic but unsuccessful attempt to swim to the side of the drowning man and save his life. Sergeant Barsosky's prompt and courageous action during the attempted rescue reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 53 - July 9, 1954
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant [then Corporal] John U. Bartlett (ASN: RA-13238488), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the Arctic Test Branch, the Army Arctic Center, near Big Delta Air Force Base, Alaska, on 4 February 1954. While riding on the rear of an M-48 tank which was being tested on a cross-country artic course, Sergeant Bartlett heard a muffled explosion inside the tank. The vehicle was brought to a sudden stop by the driver, who leaped from the turret into the snow to extinguish his burning clothing. Smoke and flames were billowing from the turret hatch and the entire floor and hull of the tank was engulfed with fire, with flames leaping around the small-arms and high-explosive test type ammunition supplies. Without hesitation or regard for his personal safety, Sergeant Bartlett climbed into the burning vehicle, secured a fire extinguisher, and calmly proceeded to extinguish the fire despite the intensity of the heat and smoke. His decisive action undoubtedly prevented extensive damage or complete loss of Government property and possible injury to his comrades. Sergeant Bartlett's alertness and prompt, courageous action in the face of grave danger reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 791 - December 23, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Leroy C. Bartling (ASN: US-55173421), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of an ordnance recovery company, in Seoul, Korea. In the early morning hours of 21 November 1952, Private Bartling learned that a fire had broken out in a building occupied by members of his company. At the risk of his own life, he climbed a ladder to the second floor and entered the burning building. When a soldier was discovered overcome by smoke in one of the sleeping rooms, Private Bartling assisted two comrades in an attempt to lower the unconscious man to the ground from a window. Finding that this was impossible, he helped to drag the asphyxiated soldier to a second window which opened onto an adjoining rooftop. Climbing through the opening, he grasped the unconscious soldier as he was passed to him and helped lower him to safety. The heroism displayed by Private Bartling on this occasion was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow soldier and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 26 - April 2, 1954
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Corporal Gordon P. Bebeau, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 612th Quartermaster Aerial Supply Company, 981st Engineer Construction Battalion, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 2 September 1953. Corporal Bebeau saw a boat loaded with soldiers overturn on Smith Lake. Immediately upon arriving at the scene, with total disregard for his personal safety and realizing the danger, he unhesitatingly entered the water in an attempt to rescue his fellow soldiers. He pulled one man out of the water and placed him in a rescue boat. Then, with great presence of mind, he continued in the rescue work until all bodies were recovered. Corporal Bebeau's alertness and prompt heroic actions reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 227 - 25 June 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert J. Belteau (ASN: 0-1882147), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 13 February 1953, in the vicinity of Magae-Dong, North Korea. On that date, an enemy mortar round struck an ammunition dump located in the sector of Company L. This immediately ignited a flame thrower and flames began spreading to the nearby ammunition. Lieutenant Belteau, disregarding his personal safety and fully aware of the danger that existed, unhesitatingly rushed into the midst of the flaming ammunition dump and, though grenades and various small arms rounds were already exploding, succeeded in extinguishing the fire by pouring sand over the explosives. Through his courageous action, the lives of many comrades were saved and the destruction of government property was greatly minimized. The outstanding devotion to duty and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Belteau reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Major (Medical Corps) Raymond L. Bennett, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the Medical Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 24 December 1950, during the evacuation of Pink Beach, Hungnam, Korea, a fire on the beach got out of control and ignited a large dump of high explosive and white phosphorous mortar ammunition causing a series of severe explosions. Major Bennett at this time was operating the Regimental Aid Station, 7th Infantry Regiment, on Pink Beach from fifty to one hundred yards from the various piles of exploding ammunition. With intrepidity and at the great risk to his own life, Major Bennett remained at his post supervising the hasty treatment of casualties and their evacuation via landing craft. Despite continual danger from flying fragments he further exposed himself in searching the surrounding area, including the shallow water, in an attempt to rescue still more wounded. The courage and regard for his fellow men displayed by Major Bennett reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 21 - March 15, 1955
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private David G. Benson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company B, 519th Military Police Battalion, at Chunchon, Korea, on 8 November 1954. While on duty as a military policemen at Traffic Control Point Number 1, Private Benson heard an explosion in the defile north of Binyon Bridge. He then observed that a Korean bus had plunged off the side of the road into a 30-foot wash and was burning fiercely. Leaving his station in charge of a Korean military policeman, he rushed to the scene of the accident and, disregarding the danger to his own life, entered the flaming vehicle to assist in the rescue of passengers trapped in the bus. Despite intense heat and the fact that many people were jammed under seats, he managed to extricate nine injured and burning people from the blazing wreckage. Private Benson's prompt and courageous action prevented serious injury and possible death to victims of the accident and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders o. 84 - November 3, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Corporal [then Private First Class] Erdman D. Benson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery B, 506th AAA Gun Battalion, of a 90-mm gun revetment, he heard a loud explosion and observed flames coming from the revetment. One round of 90-mm ammunition, which was stored with 21 other rounds, was accidentally exploded. He immediately seized a fire extinguish and without regard for his personal safety, ran into the gun revetment and attempted to extinguish the flaming ammunition boxes. The prompt and courageous action of Corporal Benson in the face of grave danger reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 245 - 28 May 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Master Sergeant Leonard M. Billett, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 16 December 1950. On this date a C-54 which was returning from Korea with 16,800 pounds of demolition bombs aboard, crashed at the end of the runway and nosed up in a steep ravine. When Sergeant Billett and a companion arrived at the scene of the crash, they observed that the number four engine was still running and that gasoline was pouring from a ruptured fuel tank near the exhaust of the engine. Realizing the imminent danger of an explosion and fire and ignoring the hazards involved, Sergeant Billett removed an inspection plate from the engine and helped his companion enter the hole to shut off the fuel supply to the engine. Through his prompt and courageous action Sergeant Billett prevented a possible explosion of the bomb load which would have resulted in great property damage and loss of life. Sergeant Billett's heroic performance in an extremely perilous situation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 61 - August 18, 1954
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant First Class Ronald V. Blais, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 77th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 30 March 1954. While en route to the First-Sergeant's call, he observed a c-119 aircraft crash into a mess hall building in the area of 77th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Sergeant Blais immediately ran to the scene of the crash and, with complete disregard for his personal safety, entered the flaming wreckage and successfully rescued a severely injured soldier who was pinned between the plane and the building. After this action, Sergeant Blais repeatedly entered the burning wreckage to assist in removing other injured personnel, and to fight the fire until it was under control. The prompt and courageous action of Sergeant Blais undoubtedly saved the lives of injured personnel and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 37 - April 29, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private George A. Bokulich, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy near Beaver, Pennsylvania, on 29 November 1952. While driving his automobile on Pennsylvania Highway 68, at night, he observed another passenger car directly ahead of him skid on the icy road, climb an embankment, and plunge into the deep waters of the Ohio River. Stopping his car and shouting instructions and words of encouragement to the two occupants of the vehicle, he unhesitatingly dived into the dark, icy water without regard for his personal safety and succeeded in removing one of the passengers, who could not swim, to a place of safety on shore. He again plunged into the water and successfully rescued the second occupant of the vehicle, who was unable to reach safety. Private Bokulich's alert and heroic actions undoubtedly saved two persons from drowning and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 72 September 23, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier's Medal (Posthumously) to Private First Class Albert O. Bracht, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 811th Signal Company, Fort Richardson, Alaska, at Spenard, Alaska, on 25 June 1953. Private Bracht heard a call for help from a neighbor's house. Upon arriving at the scene, he found his neighbor had been overcome by gas and had fallen into a well. With utter disregard for his personal safety and realizing the danger, he unhesitatingly entered the gas filled well in an attempt to rescue his neighbor. While descending into the well, he was also overcome by the carbon monoxide gases and made the supreme sacrifice by giving his life in a futile attempt to save the life of another man. The prompt, courageous, and determined action taken by Private Bracht in the face of grave danger reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 63 - September 8, 1955
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Major (Ordnance Corps) Charles E. Branson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as Commanding Officer, Badger Ordinance Works, Baraboo, Wisconsin, at Badger Ordinance Works, on 27 June 1950. Upon notification that a 16-year-old boy had been bitten by rattlesnakes, Major Branson acted promptly and bravely, at risk of his own life to save the boy. Running through dangerously snake infested area, Major Branson found the boy, applied a tourniquet, and carried the boy over the very rugged terrain to a safe place. Having previously alerted the doctor, Major Branson drove the boy to a hospital and later was instrumental in finding the rare type blood required for transfusions. Major Branson's alert and courageous action was materially responsible for saving the boy's life and thereby reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
General Orders: Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 235 (May 17, 1952)
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Airman Third Class Herman Breeding, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving actual conflict with an enemy while on serving with a crash rescue crew, 6161st Air Installations Squadron, Yokota Air Base, on the night of 18 November 1951. Airman Breeding and his crew rushed to the scene of a B-29 type aircraft which had crashed while taking off on an operational mission with a full complement of bombs. In spite of his awareness of the danger of an explosion of high octane fuel and bombs, Airman Breeding attempted to enter the burning aircraft to remove crew members whom he believed trapped in the wreckage. Through his act of heroism and selfless courage in the performance of service far beyond the normal call of duty, Airman Breeding reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force."
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 369 - July 21,1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Captain John P. Brennan, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life as Aircraft Commander of a B-29 of the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Wing (M), FIFTH Air Force, on 18 November 1951. While taking off for a combat mission, the aircraft, with a maximum load of 500 pound demolition bombs and gasoline, lost power, and after a unsuccessful attempt was made to stop, crashed at the end of the runway and burst into flame. Captain Brennan had left the burning aircraft when he noticed two crew members, apparently in a state of shock, standing at the aircraft amidst burning gasoline and exploding machine gun shells. Although Captain Brennan knew the fuses of the bombs were of a delicate nature and would explode at any moment, he immediately rushed back and guided the crew members to safety. Shortly thereafter, the first of a series of four explosions occurred, and Captain Brennan was struck in the ankles. When he observed another crew member near the aircraft, Captain Brennan, once again disregarding his own well being, made an immediate rescue. The exceptional courage displayed by captain Brennan was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - June 9, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) William P. Brooks, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while assigned to the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Department of the Army, Washington, D,C., at Alexandria, Virginia, on 5 May 1953. Seeing a young girl in danger of drowning in a flood-swept stream, Colonel Brooks, with total disregard for his personal safety, jumped into the stream and held her up until they were helped from the water by the police. Since the girl was unable to swim in the swift current, Colonel Brook's prompt and courageous action, at the risk of his own life, saved her life and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 327 - July 21, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Alonzo W. Brown (ASN: RA-13351114), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Headquarters Battery, 503d Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, In action on 7 July 1951 near Umji, Korea. On that date he and some comrades were washing and bathing at a river which was deep in some places and had a swift current. One of his comrades was standing on a rock just below the surface when he lost his balance and fell into the river. He was carried out into deeper parts of the river by the fast moving current. Seeing that the soldier was in a helpless condition, Private Brown, without hesitation and with utter disregard for his own safety, plunged into the rushing river and swam to the place where he first saw the drowning man. Bringing the drowning soldier to the surface, he carried him to the shore where he applied artificial respiration. As a result of his heroic and determined action, he saved the drowning man. The heroism displayed by Private Brown reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.
Headquarters, 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing | Standiford Field (ANG) | Kentucky Air National Guard | Louisville, Kentucky | 28 September 1953
On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, A/1C Jesse D. Brown, Jr. (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. There is no fire fighting or crash rescue facilities at Standiford Field and A/1C Brown immediately manned the "155" fire fighting truck of the Air National Guard and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely when Airman Brown arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, Airman Brown, without benefit of protective clothing, climbed on the burning wing of the aircraft and subdued the blazing wing and fuselage. Such heroic action undoubtedly saved the lives of at least ten severely injured soldiers who were unable to help themselves. Such actions reflect great credit on A/1C Brown, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 288 - December 30, 1950
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Robert M. Brown (ASN: RA-13248541), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery A, 52d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, at Chonan, Korea, on 2 October 1950. His battalion was halted in a motor convoy when a prime mover carrying ammunition caught fire and in a few moments was blazing out of control. Completely unmindful of the grave danger from the flames and exploding ammunition Private Brown unhesitatingly rushed to the scene and aided in uncoupling the artillery piece from the prime mover thereby permitting the vehicle to be maneuvered and driven off the road. His heroic actions prevented further destruction of other vehicles in the convoy and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 111 - April 2, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class C J Bruton (ASN: US-56095956), United States Army, for heroism as a member of the 24th Military Police Company, 24th Infantry Division, in Korea on 8 January 1952. Serving as Military Policeman, he was directing divisional traffic when a shout from a nearby mountain pass attracted his attention. Approximately half way up the pass he noticed a truck loaded with oil and gasoline blazing uncontrollably on the right of way and blocking traffic. Realizing the vital importance of preventing congestion, he worked his way to the truck. Just as he reached the vehicle, a bystander fired several rounds of ammunition into its gas tank to release mounting pressure which might have caused an explosion. Although the force of the flames was greatly increased, Private Bruton, with complete disregard for his own safety, boarded the burning truck and drove it down to a nearby stream, dumped the load of partially filled drums and thereby cleared the supply route and removed the potential danger to personnel in the immediate area. Private Bruton's heroism, daring initiative and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Military Police Corps.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 72 - September 23, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant First Class James R. Bryant, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Service Company, 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 28 May 1953. While participating in a parachute jump and in the act of descending, a fellow paratrooper with a partially inflated parachute came in contact with Sergeant Bryant's parachute. In an attempt to slip away, the other jumper's parachute collapsed and he started to fall to earth. With complete disregard for his personal safety, and the utmost presence of mind, Sergeant Bryant grabbed the canopy of the other jumper's parachute, thus preventing his rapid descent toward the ground, and held it until a distance of approximately 50 feet from the earth. The other jumper was able to release his reserve parachute and land without incident. This caused the parachute of Sergeant Bryant to collapse and he suffered severe back injury upon contact with the ground. Sergeant Bryant's prompt and courageous action was responsible for preventing serious injury or possible death to his comrade and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 92 - December 07, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Stanley W. Bryn, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery B, 506th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 8 July 1952, While performing his duties in the mess hall, he heard a loud explosion and observed flames coming from a nearby 90-mm gun revetment, One round of 90-mm ammunition, which was stored with twenty-one other rounds, was accidentally exploded. Private Bryn immediately left the mess hall with a bucket of water and attempted to extinguish the burning ammunition boxes. After making two additional trips to the fire barrel for water, he remained in the revetment until the blaze was extinguished. The prompt and courageous action taken by Private Bryn in the face of grave danger reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 171 - 26 March 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] Edward S. Burnitt (ASN: US-54004971), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 19 February 1952 in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Burnitt, while standing guard near his bunker, noticed another bunker which was on fire. Upon arrival at the burning bunker, he discovered that two men were trapped within, and the intense heat of the blaze was causing grenades and small arms ammunition stored in the bunker to explode, making their escape impossible. With complete disregard for his own safety, and with the sole purpose in mind of rescuing the two men who were shouting incoherent cries of pain, he plunged into the flaming fire and exploding ammunition and with the assistance of two comrades, tore apart a section of the roof, enabling the trapped men to be freed from the raging inferno. The heroism displayed by Sergeant Burnitt reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Citation not found: Corporal Avelino R. Barrows, United States Army, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Battery B, 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, in Korea.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 369 - July 21, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Technical Sergeant John L. Bushby, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life as a Flight Engineer of a B-29 type aircraft, 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Wing, (M), Fifth Air Force, on 18 November 1951. On that date, Sergeant Bushby took off on a combat mission over North Korea in an aircraft loaded with 500 pound bombs and a maximum load of gasoline. When the aircraft lost power, and an unsuccessful effort to stop was made, it crashed near the end of the runway and burst into flames. Sergeant Bushby had escaped when he noticed the navigator and pilot were still in the airplane. Although Sergeant Bushby knew the fusing of the bomb load was of a very delicate nature and would detonate at any moment, he completed disregarded personal safety and rushed back amidst the burning wreckage and exploding ammunition and helped the navigator and pilot to safety. Immediately thereafter, the first of several explosions occurred, completely demolishing the aircraft. The exceptional courage and fortitude displayed by Sergeant Bushby was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - June 09, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Johnnie A. Butcher, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C, 718th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, in the vicinity of Fort Funston, California, on 26 February 1953. A deep se fishing boat, Muskie of San Francisco ran aground on a sand bar approximately 150 yards off shore with four civilian men aboard. Two men gained shore, injuring themselves in the process, and approached the area of Battery C for aid for the other two men. Upon a request for volunteers by the battery commander to attempt a rescue, Private Butcher unhesitatingly volunteered and immediately went on foot to the scene of the accident approximately 1 mile away. By this time, high winds and heavy breakers were breaking up the boat. The two remaining men with the boat, because of injuries, cold, dangerous undertow, and heavy seas, were clinging to the wreckage. Private Butcher, with complete disregard for his safety, waded into the sea toward the boat and aided in the recovery of one of the injured civilians who was washed overboard by a huge breaker. He then again entered the water and aided in bringing the second injured man to shore. The heroism displayed by Private Butcher reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 49 (June 9, 1953)