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Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 286 (December 24, 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 Corporal Denver E. Hackworth (ASN: RA-15414706), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 24th Military Police Company, 24th Infantry Division, at Anju, Korea, on 7 November 1950. Flaming gasoline from exploding drums had ignited the clothing of several small children. He rushed to the scene and by his swift action in smothering the flames saved the children from serious burns and possibly death. He observed still another child standing amid the flames. With utter disregard for his own safety he ran through the blaze and carried the child to safety. The heroism displayed by Corporal Hackworth on this occasion reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 89 - October 03, 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 Robert M. Hall, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 2d Infantry Regiment, on 17 June 1952 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Private Hall was acting as safety man on the grenade range when another soldier dropped an activated hand grenade. Personnel in the immediate vicinity of the impending explosion, including Private Hall, dashed to take cover. Then, realizing the grave danger that threatened, Private Hall, with rare courage, returned to the grenade pit, picked up the grenade, and threw it down range away from the endangered personnel, thus saving his comrades from death or serious injury. Despite Private Hall's heroic action, four men including himself were slightly wounded when the grenade exploded. Private Hall's presence of mind and intrepid action are in keeping with the best traditions of the Infantry and the military service.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 206 - 27 September 1950
Master Sergeant Fredric J. Hammer, RA32617152, Artillery Battery A, 64th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army. At about 2300 hours, 21 August 1950 near Haman, Korea, a truckload of ammunition was brought up to a howitzer which was firing at enemy concentrations. Just as it reached the position, the motor of the truck caught fire and the driver left the cab. Master Sergeant Hammer immediately cleared the area and tried to start the truck himself. That failing, he opened the hood and, assisted by one man, threw sand on the motor until the fire was extinguished. By his courageous action he saved not only critical ammunition and an artillery piece, but also the lives of the gun crew. Master Sergeant Hammer's courage, initiative and devotion to his men reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army. Entered the military service from New York.
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 pride in presenting the Soldier's Medal (Posthumously) to Private Henry Harrison, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery B, 26th Antiaircraft Automatic Weapons Battalion, (Self Propelled), 24th Infantry Division, in Japan on 21 July 1952. Sergeant Harrison and other members of a detail had been filling sandbags at Fukanuma Beach and they were authorized to swim. The water became extremely rough and dangerous with strong under-currents and the men were ordered to return to shore. One swimmer was heard calling for help and Sergeant Harrison, who was on the shore, immediately entered the water without regard for his safety in an effort to effect a rescue. When he realized that he could not save his comrade, he attempted to return to shore, hopelessly struggling against the treacherous current and high waves until he disappeared. Sergeant Harrison's prompt and heroic actions reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 418 - 6 November 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 First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Willard C. Hartley (ASN: 0-1558034), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 30 August 1952 in the vicinity of Torong-pi, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Hartley, flying a helicopter, effected a most daring rescue when members of a company of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, accidentally entered an unmarked mine field while on a training problem, detonating several of them. Lieutenant Hartley, with complete disregard for personal safety, landed in the exceptionally rugged terrain of the mine field and removed the wounded to an Army Hospital. Because of his prompt and daring action, the lives of several wounded men were saved. Lieutenant Hartley's outstanding performance of devotion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 18 - February 18, 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 Master Sergeant Charles W. Heal, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 14th Armored Cavalry, near Hershfeld, Germany, on 7 April 1952. As the battalion was moving into a field position in convoy, an ammunition truck loaded with high explosives, including 90-mm ammunition, caught fire. The driver, unable to extinguish the blaze, abandoned the vehicle and attempted to warn other trucks of the danger. Two vehicles had already moved into range of danger and being unable to move their trucks to safety, the drivers abandoned them. Sergeant Heal arrived at the scene from the head of the convoy, quickly analyzed the situation, and, ignoring his personal safety and the flying fragments of exploding ammunition, assisted in successfully moving all vehicles to a safe distance from the danger area. His prompt and unhesitating action prevented injury to comrades in the vicinity and saved valuable equipment and cargoes. Sergeant Heal's disregard for his safety, devotion to duty, and courage reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 439 - September 18, 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 Odis C. Heard, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 8 January 1951 as Flight Engineer on a C-46 aircraft, First Troop Carrier Group (Provisional). Sergeant Heard was on an emergency resupply mission to Korea when his aircraft crashed upon landing. The entire cockpit was smashed and he was pinned against the side of the aircraft by a 10,000 pound cargo. Sergeant Heard freed himself from the debris and despite injuries worked himself through the smoke filled aircraft to the navigator's side, removing him to safety through the rear exit. Although there was serious threat of explosion, he returned to the smoking wreckage, made his way to the cockpit and tried to reach the pilot who was pinned to the forward bulkhead by the smashed nose of the aircraft. Unsuccessful in the attempt, Sergeant Heard went out through the escape hatch and tried to tear through the shattered remains of the cockpit to reach the critically injured pilot. Eventually, with the assistance of other persons, Sergeant Heard succeeded in removing the pilot. Throughout the rescue, he displayed unusual courage and composure. Sergeant Heard's disregard for personal safety and his devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 3ID
General Orders No. 104 - 28 December 1950
Corporal Irvie E. Hebb, RA15284937, Tank Company (Medium), 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroism near Chipyong, Korea, on 5 December 1950. On this date, Corporal Hebb was the driver of a tank participating in a motorized night march from Wonsan, Korea, to Chipyong, Korea. While crossing one of the many bridges, the preceding tank crashed through and fell a distance of approximately 30 feet killing six infantrymen riding on the outside deck, knocking the tank commander unconscious, and leaving the remainder of the tank crew dazed. At the same time the oil line and gasoline lines were severed and many rounds of 76 millimeter ammunition were broken open. Corporal Hebb, following with his tank, saw the accident and realizing that some of the tank crew members were trapped, immediately brought his tank to a halt, dismounted, and dashed forward a distance of approximately 50 yards to the scene of the accident. Unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he climbed into the wrecked tank and crawled through the driver's hatch. Despite the imminent possibility of an explosion from the leaking oil and gasoline, and the broken rounds of ammunition, Corporal Hebb assisted each member of the tanks crew, one by one, to safety before he abandoned the tank. Corporal Hebb's clear thinking, unhesitating action, and bravery were responsible for the safety of the entire tank crew. The heroism displayed by Corporal Hebb reflects great credit upon himself and upon the military service. Entered the military service from the State of Minnesota.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 131 - April 20, 1953
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved 2 July 1926 (WD Bul. 8, 1926), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Soldier's Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy during the period indicated is awarded to Sergeant First Class John F. Heine, Army Medical Service, United States Army, a member of Medical Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, distinguished himself by heroism on 30 August 1952 in the vicinity of Kumgong-ni, North Korea. On that date, a platoon from the Replacement Training Center suffered heavy casualties from an exploding mine when they unknowingly entered an unmarked mine field. Shortly after Sergeant Heine arrived at the scene with a rescue party, another mine was detonated, killing several persons nearby and wounding others. With complete disregard for personal safety, Sergeant Heine unhesitatingly rushed into the mine field and began giving emergency medical treatment to the seriously injured. Although the danger of additional mines exploding was great, he remained carrying on with his merciful duties of treating the wounded and supervising litter teams. His immediate aid undoubtedly resulted in the saving of many lives which otherwise would have been lost. Sergeant Heine's disregard for his safety, devotion to duty, and courage reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service. Home of Record: Illinois
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 124 - 4 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 Private Jose Hernandez (ASN: US-55132128), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of 2d Quartermaster Company, 2d Infantry Division, on 23 October 1951 in the vicinity of Kapyong, Korea. On that date Private Hernandez, along with three other drivers, was dispatched to Chunchon, Korea for the transportation of critically needed winter clothing and equipment. While en route over a steep and narrow mountain pass, the first truck of the four truck convoy was sideswiped by an oncoming southwest bound truck. The driver of the southwest bound truck lost control of his vehicle and it plunged over the cliff and into the river. Private Hernandez stopped his truck and, upon investigation, saw the semiconscious driver submerged beneath the swift, cold current of the river. He hurriedly descended the steep slope to the river bank and without hesitation or regard for his personal safety, dove into the river and swam to the injured and drowning man. Handicapped by the swift current of the river, by his water soaked clothing, and near the point of exhaustion himself, Private Hernandez persisted in keeping the injured man above the surface of the water until additional help reached him and assisted with the rescue. Private Hernandez's courageous and selfless actions undoubtedly saved the life of the driver and will live forever in the hearts of his comrades. Entered military service from Illinois.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 788 - November 29, 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 Captain (Field Artillery), [then First Lieutenant James M. Hiscock (ASN: 0-1688423), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Headquarters Battery, (then Battery B), 82d Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (Self Propelled), 2d Infantry Division. Captain Hiscock distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 2 June 1951 in the vicinity of Umyang-ni, Korea. On that date Captain Hiscock's column of antiaircraft vehicles had halted for the night prior to crossing a dangerous mountain pass. He was later informed that one of his vehicles, crossing a ford of a heavily flooded and swiftly moving river, had suddenly dropped into a deep hole, causing the water to rise above the turret of the vehicle. Captain Hiscock, realizing the danger to the men and using a full track vehicle, immediately crossed the mountain pass under blackout conditions and proceeded into the dangerous water of the flooded river to a point near the submerged vehicle. In spite of both vehicles being carried downstream with the rapidly moving current, he was able to rescue the endangered men and return them to safety. The heroism displayed by Captain Hiscock on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 1224 - 4 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 Daniel E. Holland (ASN: ER-13354476), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company K, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 16 January 1952 in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. On that date Sergeant Holland and his comrades were digging out and improving the inside of their bunker when one of the men accidentally struck an embedded hand grenade with a pick, pulling the safety pin with the force of impact. Upon hearing the explosion of the primer fuse, Sergeant Holland, with only a few seconds to act, moved across the bunker, grabbed the live grenade and tossed it outside where it exploded harmlessly against the hillside. His quick thinking and action at the risk of his own life, was directly responsible for preventing serious injuries or possible death to those nearby. The heroic conduct displayed by Sergeant Holland on this occasion will live forever in the hearts of his comrades.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 512 - November 4, 1951
Technical Sergeant George W. Howland, United States Air Force, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 21 July 1951 when he risked his life to rescue a fellow airman from drowning in the Sumida River at Asakuse-bashi, Tokyo, Japan. A group of persons was preparing to depart from a Japanese fireworks display in Sergeant Howland's motorboat. The force of starting the motor lurched the boat and threw the airman into the river. His call for help was drowned amidst the noise of many vessels carrying celebrating Japanese nationals. Sergeant Howland saw that the airman was unable to swim and realized that he would be crushed by the cruising boats. As the airman floundered between huge barges and Japanese boats, Sergeant Howland dived into the water and pulled the drowning man to the boat behind, where he was hoisted on board by another airman with the help of two nationals. Sergeant Howland's courage and skill were responsible for saving the life of a fellow airman, and his quick thinking and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 43 - 18 February 1951
The Soldier's Medal, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy, is awarded to Private First Class William A. Hutcheson, RA17257995, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company K, 38 Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, who displayed heroism on 18 September 1950 in the vicinity of Sindong, Korea. On that date the advance elements of his company had reached the east bank of the Naktong River and had been ordered to secure a bridgehead on the opposite bank. Private Hutcheson unhesitatingly volunteered to accompany a patrol for the mission of swimming to the opposite shore and securing boats in which the troops could cross the river. Fully aware that any enemy action might be disastrous to them, the group moved into the cold and swiftly-flowing river. In midstream, one of the men was seized by cramps and, unable to move further and at the mercy of the swift current, called for help. Private Hutcheson, fully aware of the precarious position of the soldier, immediately swam back, courageously fighting the strong current and, with the assistance of a comrade, succeeded in bringing the stricken man to a place of safety on the west bank of the river. The selfless action of Private Hutcheson in going to the aid of his comrade at the risk of his own life reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service. Entered the military service from Muscatine County, Iowa.