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Department of the Army
General Orders No. 6 1 - 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 Juan A. Santiago, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 7538th Army Unit, Replacement Training Center. Camp Tortuguero, Puerto Rico, at Puerto Rico Beach, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico on 28 April 1954. Hearing calls for help, Sergeant Santiago quickly determined the location of a soldier who was in dire distress at a point approximately 50 feet off-shore in water about 15 feet in depth. Unhesitatingly, he plunged into the water. Reaching the scene he dived twice in an attempt to effect a rescue and was forced to resurface for air. Then despite his own exhausted condition, Sergeant Santiago made a third attempt and located his comrade. He grasped him by his swimming trunks, later shifting his grip to the soldier's hair, and brought him safely to nearby rocks. There he promptly initiated artificial respiration procedures and succeeded in reviving his comrade. Sergeant Santiago's prompt and courageous actions during the rescue reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders 35 - 13 May 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 [then Private First Class] Peter Sawka, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 103d Engineer Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, near Ulm, Germany, on 23 June 1953. While operating a crane, in connection with the removal of a steel treadway bridge which crossed the swift, flood-swollen Danube River, he witnessed a powerboat capsize, carrying the boat operator with it in the swift waters below. Observing the victim struggling helplessly in the treacherous current, Corporal Sawka, without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, leaped from his crane, and fully clothed, plunged into the flood-swollen river to attempt a rescue. Fighting exceptionally strong currents, he swam approximately 300 feet, successfully reached his comrade, who was being swept helplessly down stream, and returned him safely to shore. Corporal Sawka's Courageous action is in keeping with the highest tradition of the Army and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 207 - 27 September 1950
Chaplain (Captain) John P. Schag, 0933076, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 25th Infantry Division Artillery, 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. Although warned to leave, Chaplain Schag joined two enlisted men in shoveling dirt onto the motor until the fire was extinguished. By his courageous action he helped save not only critical ammunition and an artillery piece, but also the lives of the gun crew. Chaplain Schag's courage, initiative and devotion to his men reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army. Entered the military service from Illinois.
Synopsis only: 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) Walter Burns Schlotterbeck, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, in Korea from 1950 to 1951. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Schlotterbeck reflect great credit upon himself 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 pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Robert C. Schmidt, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company G, 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on 17 December 1953. While participating in a demonstration parachute jump at Yamoto Drop Zone and in the act of descending normally, Private Schmidt observed a fellow parachuter falling free and becoming entangled in his suspension lines. As his companion fell past him, Private Schmidt, with disregard for his personal safety and with utmost presence of mind, grabbed the suspension lines of the paratrooper and retained his hold until they safely reached the ground. Private Schmidt's prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 87 - 20 November 1950
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 Sergeant First Class Melvin F. Schultz (ASN: RA-37299255), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while a member of Company B, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, at Camp Fuji, Honshu, Japan, on 25 August 1950. On this date, Sergeant Schultz was in a trench with members of his platoon acting as instructor in hand grenade throwing. Upon seeing an enlisted man accidentally drop an activated hand grenade in the trench, Sergeant Schultz ordered his men to safety and at the same time, with complete disregard for his personal safety, dived for the grenade in an attempt to clear it from the trench. As he grasped the grenade, it exploded and inflicted injuries so severe that Sergeant Schultz died immediately. By his courageous action, he saved his men from possible death or serious injury. The heroism and self-sacrifice displayed by Sergeant Schultz reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.
*Melvin joined from North Dakota, but his home was Fosston, Minnesota.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 12 - January 22, 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 Robert B. Shaw, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Lover's Point, Pacific Grove, California, on 7 December 1952. While swimming at Lover's Point, he observed that another swimmer had been injured and was aware of the presence of a shark, killer-whale, or dangerous sea lion. Without regard for his safety, Sergeant Shaw proceeded 100 yards through dangerous surf to assist in the rescue of the stricken swimmer. In the ensuing recovery, he refused to abandon the victim, even during repeated passes by a large man-eating shark which had mortally wounded the victim. With fearlessness and complete disregard for his safety, he attempted to save a life at great risk to his own. Sergeant Shaw's alert and courageous action reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
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, T/SGT Charles W. Simmons (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 T/SGT Simmons 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 T/SGT Simmons arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, T/SGT Simmons, 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 T/SGT Simmons, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 282 - September 1, 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 John R. Slade (ASN: US-53094604), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 21 July 1952, Private Slade, a supply handler at the 3d Division Post Exchange at Wang Sib Nyi, Korea, was detailed to supervise the transfer of supplies from a box car to the Post Exchange warehouse. Immediately after his arrival at the railroad siding there was a tremendous explosion of the gasoline that had leaked from a broken pipe, approximately twenty five yards from Private Slade's position, which runs to the main tank of the Seoul Area Command Drum Refill Plant. Fires and explosions quickly spread over the surrounding area. In anticipation of greater explosions, all Post Exchange personnel withdrew to safety and began to notify fire authorities. Noticing that the Post Exchange truck had been left behind, Private Slade fearlessly dashed back through the area to get the truck despite the shouts of his fellow-workers of the impossibility of saving it. Reaching the truck, he calmly and skillfully drove it from the burning inferno to safety. His instantaneous actions and untiring devotion to duty were responsible for saving a valuable military vehicle and possibly prevented the total destruction of the Seoul Area Command Petroleum, Oil, and Lubrication Dump. Private Slade's outstanding heroism reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 41 - 22 January 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 Douglas R. Smith, United States Air Force, for heroism involving the voluntary risk of his life while attached to the 19th Bombardment Group, (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in the rescue of an airman on 15 November 1950 at Kadena Air Base. On that date, Captain Smith was on the scene of an aircraft accident on the runway. When he arrived at the spot, the flight engineer of the bomber was found in a semi-conscious condition, lying approximately 15 feet from the burning aircraft and unable to move. The airman was in great danger from the excessive heat, detonation of incendiary-type bombs and 50 caliber ammunition. Although realizing this, Captain Smith disregarded his own safety and assisted in the rescue of the injured crew member. Captain Smith's act made it possible to remove the flight engineer from the danger area to safety, where medical aid was administered. Captain Smith's courage, 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. 44 (1951)
Corporal George C. Smith, RA93036031, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company K, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, United States Army, 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. Corporal Smith unhesitatingly volunteered to organize a patrol from his squad for the mission of swimming to the opposite shore and securing boats in which 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. Corporal Smith, 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 Corporal Smith 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 California.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 244 - 30 May 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 Corporal John J. Smith (ASN: US-55124421), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 10 April 1952 in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea. On that date, Corporal Smith, a Machine Gunner, observed an enemy mortar round hit the position of a fellow soldier. Without hesitation, he and a comrade went to the position to investigate the extent of the damage. Upon arrival, they discovered that the explosion had set fire to a box of hand grenades. As his comrade handed the burning box of grenades to Corporal Smith, he immediately threw the contents clear of danger. Upon entering the position a second time, Corporal Smith and his friend sighted a wounded man lying helplessly on the ground. After calling for medical aid, he and his comrade, with utter disregard for their own safety which was being threatened by burning ammunition and enemy mortar fire, continued to give the injured man assistance. Corporal Smith's courageous actions enabled medical aidmen to reach the wounded soldier without risking their lives near the fire. The heroism displayed by Corporal Smith reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 48 - January 27, 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 Airman First Class William E. Snider, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at an Army Ordnance Dump in Korea while serving as Heavy Equipment Operator, 543d Ammunition Supply Squadron, Depot, 6405th Air Support Wing (Materiel), Far East Air Logistic Force, on 16 June 1952. On that date, Airman Snider completely disregarding his own safety, voluntarily drove a turnadozer into an area of burning and exploding munitions. Although the heat scorched the paint and set the tires afire on the turnadozer, he effectively scattered and covered the burning munitions, saving great quantities of unexploded ammunition and preventing a possible catastrophe. By virtue of his personal courage and selfless devotion to duty, Airman Snider reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 333 - July 21, 1951
Sergeant, Medical Department, U.S. Army
Medical Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division
Date of Action: 26 May 1951
Citation: 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 is awarded to Sergeant Houston D. Snowden, Army Medical Service, Army of the United States, distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 26 May 1951 in the vicinity of Hangye, Korea. On that date he was attached as a medical aidman to Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment. The company was setting up a bivouac area when a loud explosion occurred nearby. Sergeant Snowden immediately ran in that direction. Informed that a soldier had wandered into a mine field and had been injured by an exploding mine, Sergeant Snowden, with complete disregard for his own safety, ran quickly into the center of the mined area to apply first aid to the injured man. His prompt action undoubtedly saved the man's life. Sergeant Snowden then organized a litter team, led them into the danger area, and supervised the evacuation of the injured comrade. Sergeant Snowden's heroic actions, reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Home of Record: West Virginia
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Divisio
General Orders No. 158 - June 15, 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 Sergeant First Class William Snyder (ASN: RA-18344942), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States. As a member of Company A, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 7 May 1951 in the vicinity of Changnam-ni, Korea. Sergeant Snyder observed two Republic of Korea soldiers who, having unknowingly entered a mine field, exploded a mine and fell wounded. Although he had no knowledge of the exact location of the mines, Sergeant Snyder fearlessly entered the mine field, deactivated one mine and rescued one of the soldiers. He then returned, deactivated another mine and brought the other wounded man to safety. The heroism and devotion to his fallen comrades displayed y Sergeant Snyder reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of 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 pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Corporal Joseph P. Spadafore, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery A, 98th Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, 68th Antiaircraft Artillery Group, at Spanard, Alaska, on 25 June 1953. When Corporal Spadafore heard cries for help from a companion who had fallen to the bottom of a 50-foot well, containing approximately 40 inches of icy water, he recognized immediately that his companion was in dire distress. Unhesitatingly, he descended a ladder to the bottom of the well. Being partially overcome by carbon monoxide fumes and the shock of the icy water in the well, he was unsuccessful in the attempt to rescue his companion. With great presence of mind and using extremely good judgment, he then proceeded up the ladder to save his own life. He climbed within 6 feet of the top before becoming overcome by carbon monoxide fumes and had to be pulled to safety by rescuers awaiting at the top of the well. Corporal Spadafore's prompt and courageous action, with complete disregard for his personal safety, reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 12 - January 22, 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 Earl N. Stanley, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Lover's Point, Pacific Grove, California, on 7 December 1952. He was swimming at Lover's Point when he observed that another swimmer was in danger. He assumed that a killer-whale or dangerous sea lion had attacked. Without regard for his safety, Sergeant Stanley immediately proceeded through heavy surf and dangerous rocks to assist in the rescue of the injured swimmer. In the ensuing rescue, he refused to abandon the victim during repeated passes by a large man-eating shark which had mortally wounded the victim. With fearlessness and complete disregard for his safety, he attempted to save the stricken swimmer at great risk to his life. Sergeant Stanley's alert and courageous action reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
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) Harry J. Steeves (ASN: 0-1332005), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Korea. On 12 April 1952, near Chokko-Ri, Korea, the area occupied by Heavy Tank Company was subjected to an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage. One of the rounds scored a direct hit on a truck loaded with gasoline drums, causing them to burn and explode, spraying flaming gasoline and hot fragments of metal over the entire immediate area. Six feet in front of this burning gasoline truck was another truck, containing approximately 100 rounds of 90 millimeter ammunition. The gasoline and burning debris was falling on the ammunition truck and several crates of ammunition were aflame. Lieutenant Steeves, Commanding Officer of Company L, 3d Battalion, the unit adjacent to Heavy Tank Company, saw from his Command Post that no action was being taken to protect the safety of personnel in the immediate area. Disregarding his own safety, he raced across 350 yards of treacherous, unprotected terrain, which was then under a heavy concentration of hostile artillery and mortar fire, to the lead truck bearing the burning ammunition crates. Unhesitatingly he started the truck and drove it over the crest of a nearby hill, away from the burning pyre of gasoline drums. Dismounting, he ran to the rear of the truck, pulled the burning crates of ammunition to the ground and quickly rendered them harmless by covering them with dirt. Although painfully burned, he continued his action until assistance arrived. This courageous and selfless act undoubtedly prevented a large number of casualties in his own and an adjacent unit. Lieutenant Steeves' outstanding heroism reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.