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Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 85 - 25 September 1951
Captain Loran A. Pace, Transportation Corps, United States Army, a member of Headquarters, 6002d Army Service Unit, distinguished himself by heroism on 18 May 1951 at Fort Winfield Scott, California. When an extensive fire broke out in the adjoining apartment occupied by another officer, Captain Pace crawled out his upper bedroom window to a porch roof and, without thought of personal danger, attempted to enter the blazing bedroom. Beaten back by intense heat, he wrapped himself to a bedspread and forced his way back into the bedroom. Although nearly blinded by heavy smoke and seared by flame in the room, he located his brother officer's 5-year-old child and lowered him to safety into the arms of his daughter on the ground below. Searching for two other children trapped in the house, he was forced from the upper floor by intense smoke and flame and was denied entrance through a lower door because of intense heat. Captain Pace suffered burns and shock as a result of his heroic rescue, but his prompt and courageous action in saving the life of the child reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
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 Corporal Dante A. Pacifico, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Service Company, 503d Infantry Regiment, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on 18 December 1952. While participating in a parachute jump and in the act of descending, a fellow paratrooper hurled through Private Pacifico's suspension lines immediately after jumping from the carrier aircraft. Although stunned by the impact and collision, he succeeded in straightening his tangled lines and, with complete disregard for his personal safety, grabbed the silk of the other jumper's parachute near the apex. The two men safely completed the descent to the ground, with Corporal Pacifico holding his comrade suspended by the length of the parachute. Corporal Pacifico's quick thinking and resolute courage reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 418 - August 9, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Dean L. Paisley (ASN: RA-14321178), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Battery B, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 10 June 1951, in the vicinity of Wont-ong-ni, Korea. On that date Private Paisley was engaged in his duties as a switchboard operator when he heard a slight explosion. He looked out of his switchboard dugout and saw a comrade standing in a pool of flame with his hands, face and clothing burning. Private Paisley gave the alarm and then ran to the aid of the injured man. He grabbed a blanket from his roll and with utter disregard for his personal safety, rolled his comrade in the blanket after over-powering him, as he was temporarily crazed from shock. Private Paisley's action reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 72 - September 30, 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 Joseph Pastula, 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. He was in his barracks conducting a class when he heard the roar of airplane engines , followed by a load a loud crash. Running out of the building, he observed that a C-119 aircraft had crashed into a mess hall building in the area. He immediately ran to the scene of the accident and, without regard for his personal safety, entered the flaming debris to aid in the rescue of injured, trapped personnel. He continued to assist until all personnel were removed and the fire was fully under control. Sergeant First Class Pastula's prompt and courageous action was undoubtedly instrumental in saving the lives of injured personnel and reflects great credit on 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 Corporal Edwin D. Patrick, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Battery, 88th Airborne Antiaircraft Battalion, 11th Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on 7 November 1952. While participating in a parachute jump, his parachute was struck by the falling body of another paratrooper whose parachute had collapsed. As the man fell through Corporal Patrick's parachute and damaged it, Corporal Patrick threw his arm around the collapsed silk. As the parachute slipped from him, he again tried to obtain a hold with his hand and received severe burns. Despite this, he finally managed to secure a grip near the top of the parachute and he maintained this hold until both men safely reached the ground. Although realizing he was endangering his life, he unhesitatingly assisted his comrade. Corporal Patrick's prompt and heroic actions reflect the highest credit on himself and the military serving.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 345 - 27 September 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 (Armor) Richard A. Paul (ASN: 0-1339912), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action at Pammol, North Korea on 28 - 29 July 1952. At about 2230 hours, 28 July 1952, five soldiers, occupants of a 2½ ton truck, had mistakenly taken a ford through the Yong-Pyong River which was closed to vehicular traffic due to flood conditions. Answering an emergency alert call, Lieutenant Paul, with the aid of four men, summoned a tank, procured chains, ropes and whatever other makeshift devices were available and began a rescue operation which was the last for 6 hours. With complete disregard for personal safety, Lieutenant Paul established a human chain of the four men and himself and waded into the swift current in an attempt to reach the stranded truck. Several attempts were made before contact was made. A slip during any of these attempts would have meant certain drowning. On the first attempt, because of the strain, the single cable was snapped. Three more trips were made into the river until finally two cables and a rope were attached to the truck. Six hours later, and with the water less than one foot from the top of the truck, it was towed to safety. His prompt and determined action in the face of great danger undoubtedly saved the lives of five men. Lieutenant Paul's heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 212 - 28 February 1951
Synopsis only: Warrant Officer Junior Grade Richard K. Pitts (AFSN: 951037E), United States Air Force, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States in Korea, on 5 January 1951.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 355 - 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 Staff Sergeant William R. Plumley, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life on while serving with the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Wing (M), Fifth Air Force, on 18 November 1951. On that date, Sergeant Plumley, a tail gunner on a B-29, took off on a combat mission over North Korea in an aircraft which was fully loaded with 500 pound bombs and a maximum load of gasoline. Half way down the runway, when the aircraft lost power and an unsuccessful effort was made to stop, the B-29 crashed and burst into flames. Sergeant Plumley had escaped when he noticed the Radar Operator, in a state of shock, beneath the tail section of the aircraft amidst fire and exploding ammunition. Although Sergeant Plumley was well aware of the delicate nature of bomb fusing, he completely disregarded personal safety, and at the risk of his life in the face of imminent explosion, rushed back to the burning aircraft and aided the Radar Operator to safety. Immediately thereafter the first bombs exploded. The exceptional courage displayed by Sergeant Plumley 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.
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 Joseph Martin Poggi (ASN: RA-12345970), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. On 9 November 1950, while the Company was on the rifle range, a Soldier went into an epileptic seizure. Disregarding his own safety, Private Poggi took the still discharging rifle away from the Soldier's hand, thereby avoiding possible injury to the men on the firing line. When the stricken Soldier fell to the ground Private Poggi forced open the Soldier's mouth and placed an object therein to prevent the man from biting himself. After the Soldier received medical aid, the medics stated that the actions taken by Private Poggi saved the Soldier from further injury and possible self strangulation. Private Poggi's heroic action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 278th Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.
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 pride in presenting the Soldier's Medal (Posthumously) to Private Charles R. Pond, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 981st Engineer Construction Battalion, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 2 September 1953. Private pond was a member of an assault boat crew operating a boat which was participating in a class on Light Stream Crossing Equipment (Infantry Support Raft). In making a turn, the boat started to ship water and the passengers shifted to one side, causing it to overturn. Approximately one-half of the passengers were unable to swim. Private Pond, who was a swimmer, remained calm and began to place numerous no swimmers on the overturned boat. With complete disregard for his safety, he swam to the nearest bank with a non-swimmer, a feat which he repeated twice. On a subsequent trip to the scene of the accident, he became exhausted and called for assistance, but the rescue boat could not reach him in time to save him from drowning. Private Pond's courageous and heroic action in this emergency prevented the loss of life of several of his fellow soldiers and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 345 - 27 September 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 Frankie B. Poteet (ASN: US-52153888), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action at Pammol, North Korea on the night of 28 - 29 July 1952. At about 2230 hours, 28 July 1952, five soldiers, occupants of a 2½ ton truck, had mistakenly taken a ford through the Yong-Pyong River which was closed to vehicular traffic due to flood conditions. When an emergency call was sounded for a tank with a volunteer crew, Sergeant Poteet was one of the first to volunteer. Sergeant Poteet, along with four others, volunteered to form a human chain in the river in an effort to reach the truck. After several unsuccessful attempts, during which a slip would have meant certain drowning, contact was made. The first attempt to pull the truck out failed when the cable broke. Two more tow cables and a rope had to be carried through the treacherous waters before the truck and its occupants were pulled to safety. His prompt and determined action in the face of great danger undoubtedly helped save the lives of five men. The heroic actions of Sergeant Poteet reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 11 - February 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 Sergeant First Class Clifford K. Potter, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Detachment 3320th Area Service Unit, Raleigh, North Carolina, on 17 September 1954. Sergeant Potter sighted an armed fugitive who was being pursued by a city policeman. With complete disregard for his own safety he also pursued the fugitive, captured, disarmed and restrained him until police arrived placing him under arrest. Sergeant Potter's heroism and unhesitating action exemplified the highest type of citizenship and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, EUSAK
General Orders No. 144 - 16 March 1951
Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence H. Prather, 031733, Ordnance Corps, United States Army. Colonel Prather, a member of Headquarters Eighth United States Army Korea, is cited for heroic action near Kunchon, Korea on 4 and 5 October 1950. On 4 October 1950, Colonel Prather, learning that a railway tunnel was blocked by burning and exploding ammunition, and realizing the importance of the tunnel to our advancing forces, proceeded immediately to the site. Intense heat and smoke, and danger from exploding ammunition made entrance to the tunnel extremely hazardous but Colonel Prather and three companions, without regard to their own safety, entered the north end of the tunnel and cleared live ammunition to the edge of the fire. The following day, Colonel Prather and his companions entered the south end of the tunnel and completely cleared it of all hazardous ammunition, enabling railway wrecking crews to work in the tunnel in comparative safety. The heroic action of Colonel Prather reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the federal service from Montana. (This award supersedes the award to this officer of the Bronze Star Medal for service on the same date, as published in Section II, General Orders No. l95, this headquarters, 2d February 1951, and so much thereof as pertains to that award is hereby revoked).
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 Master Sergeant Lorenzo Prats, Jr., United States Army, for a member of 7552d Army Unit, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Fort Brooke, Puerto Rico, in the rescue of a small child near Boca de Cangrejos, San Juan, Puerto Rico, on 23 May 1954. While fishing near Boca Cangrejos Beach, Sergeant Prats observed a small boy struggling in a vicious riptide and on the verge of drowning. Although well aware of the treacherous nature of the current and tides in the vicinity, he unhesitatingly dived into the water without regard for his personal safety and rescued the child from imminent danger. Sergeant Prats' alert and courageous action undoubtedly saved the life of the child at great risk to his own, and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 296 - 17 June 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 Staff Sergeant Donald G. Pritchett, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving actual conflict with an enemy as a member of the 1973-1 Airways and Air Communications Service Detachment on 15 December 1950. Sergeant Pritchett played an outstanding part in the rescue and subsequent recovery of member of a B-26 type aircraft which had crashed and was burning. With utter disregard for personal safety and in imminent danger from exploding gasoline and ammunition, Sergeant Pritchett helped to extract the injured pilot, navigator and engineer. He immediately applied emergency first aid, giving injections of morphine, and splinting and bandaging injured personnel. Sergeant Pritchett's immediate command of the situation and cool-headed decisions and actions contributed directly to the complete recovery of the crew, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 158 - 26 April 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 Donald E. Pummill (ASN: US-15233566), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with while serving with Battery B, 3d Antiaircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 3d Infantry Division. On 6 February 1952, near Nanmijan, Korea, while checking the wire communications between vehicles of his gun section, Private Pummill heard a loud explosion nearby. Rushing to the source of the sound, he saw a Korean laborer lying in a minefield, apparently seriously injured. Cognizant of the dangers of entering a marked minefield, Private Pummill disregarded this personal danger as he made his way cautiously to the side of the wounded man. After rendering first aid, he carried the wounded man back through the hazardous minefield to safety and additional medical aid. Private Pummill's outstanding initiative and heroic actions in going to the aid of a fellow-man reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 256 - 26 June 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 Master Sergeant Victor G. Pylant (ASN: NG-24894253), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company B, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, on 19 April 1952. On that date Sergeant Pylant, perceiving that a trailer loaded with one thousand pounds of explosives might blow up due to a rapidly spreading fire within six feet of it, voluntarily directed and accompanied a vehicle and driver into an area already devastated by blast and still undergoing secondary explosions in order to remove the trailer. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Pylant and one of his comrades hitched the trailer of explosives to the vehicle and then directed the driver in removing the trailer to a safe place. By his quickness of action and courage, Sergeant Pylant not only saved the trailer and explosives from destruction but also spared the company area from further severe damage and relieved the danger to other personnel. The outstanding performance and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Pylant reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.