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Department of the Army
General Orders No. 11 - February 08, 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 Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) George A. Vaillancourt, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as officer in charge of a troop movement between the Islands of Hokkaido and Honshu, Japan, on 26 September 1954. The TOVA MARU heavily laden with passengers and cargo, was buffeted by merciless, high velocity winds and floundering in raging, turbulent sea. When the ferry began to list, Lieutenant Vaillancourt sought the services of an interpreter and personally brought his men from assigned quarters below deck to the 2d Class Salon area, where life belts were issued to them. Throughout a harrowing 4-hour period, Lieutenant Vaillancourt's calm steadying influence proved a source of inspiration and courage to both the troops under his command and to the civilian passengers. His selfless concern for others and keen sense of humor prevailed during the final terrifying moments before the ship capsized, and he was last seen issuing vivid instructions and aiding fellow passengers. Lieutenant Vaillancourt's intrepid leadership and consummate devotion to duty minimized panic and afforded greater opportunity for escape from the ill-fated vessel, reflecting distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 114 - March 18, 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 [then Corporal] Samuel A. Vance (ASN: RA-19323656), 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, in action in Korea. During the early morning hours of 23 December 1951, Company G dispatched a patrol near Ukkowang-san, Korea, with the objective of capturing enemy prisoners. Sergeant Vance, a medical aidman, was designated to guide the patrol through enemy lines, since he had been over the route before and was familiar with the area. The patrol reached its destination and, having made no contact with the foe, was on its way back when it was discovered that they were in an unmarked mine field. After moving only a short distance, Sergeant Vance heard a loud explosion to his rear. Unhesitatingly, he ran fearlessly through the hazardous mine field to the area of the explosion. Finding one man mortally wounded and two others seriously injured, he immediately rendered first aid and dis as much possible to quiet the wounded. He then improvised litters and cautiously directed the patrol out of the mine field and back to friendly lines where his wounded comrades could receive further treatment. Sergeant Vance's heroic actions and untiring devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 3 - January 20, 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 Luther Veal, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Service Battery, 229th Field Artillery Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, during a practice alert near Bonfeld, Germany, on 8 May 1953. While driving an ammunition truck to the battalion alert assembly area, the ammunition trailer, which was loaded with trip flares and antipersonnel mines, burst into flames. Realizing the 105-mm howitzer ammunition in the truck was in danger, Corporal Veal, without hesitation and with disregard for his safety, approached the flaming trailer and disconnected it from the truck. He then moved the truck to a safe position. Through his alert and decisive action, Corporal Veal prevented possible loss of lives and destruction of civil and Government property, and his prompt and courageous action reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
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 Private John W. Viet, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Student Company 11, The Southeastern Signal School, Camp Gordon, Georgia, on 9 May 1954. While walking past a residence on Walker Street, he and a comrade observed a fire in the downstairs portion of an old frame type, two-story building. Although informed that the building was believed to be unoccupied Private Viet, with initiative and foresight, unhesitatingly entered the flaming building shouting alarms, attempting to arouse any possible residents. Two persons were vainly attempting to escape from the second floor. Despite the raging flames and intense smoke, Private Viet rushed to the assistance of the victims without regard for his personal safety. Through his heroic action the two occupants were rescued and brought to a place of safety. Private Viet's prompt and courageous action was responsible for preventing serious injury or possible death to two trapped persons and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.