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
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 59 - August 4, 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 Francis Watson, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Battery, Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion, at O'Misawa, Japan, on 30 October 1952, when a fire of fierce intensity raged uncontrollably through three Japanese buildings. Upon arrival at the scene of the disaster, Private Watson observed a Japanese woman holding an infant in her arms standing inside one of the burning houses, apparently too terrified to move. Unmindful of the danger, he forced his way through a window into the building and, despite intense heat, smoke and imminent collapse of the walls, guided the woman and child to safety. At the same time, he discovered three small children in the area and led them safety outside. While effecting the rescue, the terrific heat singed his hair and burned his clothing, but he continued to render aid. By his courageous actions, no lives were lost. Private Watson's prompt and gallant actions reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 61 - 17 October 1955
Captain Victor L. Wegard, Adjutant General's Corps, United States Army, a member of the Comptroller Section, Headquarters Korean Communications zone, distinguished himself by an act of heroism in New York City, New York on 6 January 1955, while assigned to Overseas Replacement Station, 6021st Service Unit, Personnel Center, Fort Lewis, Washington. While walking down 57th Street in New York City, Captain Wegard observed a window washer dangling by one strap of his safety belt, the other strap had broken, below a closed window on the fifth floor of an office building. No attempt was being made to help the man who was in grave danger of falling at any minute. Captain Wegard rushed into the building, took an unattended elevator to the fifth floor, hurriedly found the unopened window, and instructed one of the office employees, who was unaware of the accident, to hang on to his thighs while he pulled the window washer to safety. Disregarding his personal safety, Captain Wegard, supported by the office employee, leaned out of the window, grasped the window washer under the arms, and pulled him to safety. Captain Wegard's decisive and courageous action prevented the certain death of the victim of the accident and reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 358 - 7 October 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 George M. Weitzel (ASN: RA-13396058), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of 702d Ordnance Maintenance Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action at Sang-ni, North Korea on 24 August 1952. On that date, a group of Korean Service Corps troops were isolated on a small strip of land surrounded by the rapidly rising waters of a flash flood. Corporal Weitzel was working with a crow from his company, who were attempting to guide a wire across the swollen steam to rescue the marooned men. Finally Corporal Weitzel volunteered to swim a wire across, but was forced to return to shore because of the swift current. At that moment, the Korean officer in charge of the marooned troops, slipped into the water, and was swept away. Without thought of personal safety, and although near the point of exhaustion, Corporal Weitzel jumped into the turbulent waters and after a strenuous swim, reached the drowning officer and managed to pull him to shore. The prompt and heroic actions displayed by Corporal Weitzel reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 197 - 5 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 Captain (Infantry) Howard W. Whipple (ASN: 0-1340725), United States Army, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with the enemy while serving with Headquarters Company (then Company L), 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 13 February 1953 in the vicinity of Magae-Dong, North Korea. On that date an enemy mortar round struck the ammunition dump of Company L, immediately starting numerous fires in the area. Rushing to the scene, Captain Whipple, upon noticing that a nearby bunker was in flames, entered the inferno and led its occupants to safety. Then, realizing that a disaster was inevitable unless the ammunition was removed from the path of the flames, he began moving the munitions from the area and fighting the fire. Although his gloves were burned off his hands and the danger of ammunition exploding was great, Captain Whipple worked untiringly and remained oblivious of the dangers until the fires were extinguished. Through his courageous actions the lives of many men were undoubtedly saved and a costly loss of ammunition was prevented. The heroic actions and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Whipple reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 173 - June 16, 1951
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 Private James A. Whitener, Army Medical Service, United States Army a member of Medical Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, displayed heroism on 28 May 1951 in the vicinity of Yangjimal, Korea. A Netherlands soldier attempted to cross a swiftly flowing river to secure assistance for his wounded comrades, but the river was too swift and deep and the soldier soon found himself in danger of drowning. Private Whitener, upon hearing the soldier's cry for help hesitantly threw his weapon aside and dashed into the water after the drowning soldier who was going down for the third time. Private Whitener expertly took him in tow and brought him to shore. The prompt and selfless action of Private Whitener in going to the aid of a comrade at great risk of his own life reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Home of Record: North Carolina
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 381 - August 10, 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 Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Stanley H. Whonic, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, at the Tama Arsenal, Far East Air Material Command, on 27 May 1951 while serving as an Ammunition Handling Supervisor. During the modification of 2.36 rocket motors, a White Phosphorous Grenade Head accidentally exploded, scattering phosphorous throughout the assembly building and burning personnel and equipment. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Whonic directed and assisted in the evacuation of personnel from the building. Displaying great presence of mind and coolness he administered first aid treatment to the injured while directing the complete evacuation of burning equipment and explosives from the building. Totally disregarding possible serious injury to himself, Sergeant Whonic moved one employee suffering from severe burns to a place of safety and administered immediate first aid. His prompt action was directly responsible for saving the life of this individual who received third degree burns on the entire lower part of his body. Sergeant Whonic's courage reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 13 - January 17, 1973
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 Sergeant [then Private First Class] Robert A. Wiles, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 12 April 1953. By his courageous action, humanitarian regard for his fellow man, and dedication of service to his country, First Sergeant Wiles has reflected great credit on himself and the United States Army. [This award supersedes award of the paragraph 7, AR 672-5-1, as an interim award.]
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 Master Sergeant Herbert Wilkes (ASN: RA-34517144), 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 Wilkes reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 283 - September 3, 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) Leroy L. Willard (ASN: 0-63313), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Heavy Tank Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 30 November 1951, while he and his crew were sleeping in their bunker near Wangjing-Myon, Korea, Lieutenant Willard was awakened by a heavy, choking smoke to discover that the bunker had caught afire. Flames had already engulfed the entire front of the bunker and were quickly spreading toward himself and his sleeping crew. Realizing that the fire was beyond control, Lieutenant Willard shouted the alarm to his men, making sure that they were awake and on their way towards the exit. He and two of his men made it safely through the burning exit but the last man became blinded and partly overcome by the smoke and could not find his way through the fire to safety. Hearing the trapped man's cries for help, Lieutenant Willard completely disregarded his personal safety as he rushed back into the blazing bunker and calmly led the man through the flames and smoke to safety. Lieutenant Willard's outstanding heroism and untiring devotion to duty were directly responsible for saving the life of a fellow soldier and reflects great credit upon 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 pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant First Class Clyde E. Willey, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company C, 84th Tank Battalion, Combat Command A, 3d Armored Division, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, on 27 May 1953. Observing a 1,200-gallon gasoline tank truck on fire in the vicinity of bulk gasoline storage tanks, he unhesitatingly rushed to the flaming truck with a fire extinguisher and climbed to the top of the vehicle in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Unable to bring the fire under control, Sergeant Willey succeeded in closing the hatch on the truck. With complete disregard for his safety, he entered the cab of the vehicle and moved it a safe distance from the gasoline storage area, thereby reducing the danger to property and personnel to the minimum. Sergeant Willey's alertness and prompt and heroic actions reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 40 - June 4, 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 Merwin F. Williams, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 231st Engineer Combat Battalion, on 16 January 1951 at Fort Lewis, Washington. While acting as a coach on the hand grenade range, he noticed a live grenade roll into his pit. With complete disregard for his safety, he grasped the grenade with his left hand and attempted to throw it from the pit. Before he could dispose of the grenade it exploded, severing his left hand at the wrist and inflicting other painful injuries. Sergeant Williams' prompt, determined action in the face of great danger saved his comrade from critical injury and reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 748 - November 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 Sergeant First Class Robert L. Wilmoth (ASN: RA-13349648), 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. Sergeant First Class Wilmoth displayed heroic action on 28 August 1951 in the vicinity of P'yongch'on, Korea. On this date his platoon was in the process of raising a bridge which was in danger of being washed away by the rapidly rising water of the Soyang River. A prime mover began to ford the river from the far shore downstream from the bridge. As the driver of the vehicle proceeded across the swollen river, his vehicle sank in the channel within a foot of the turret. The driver was washed out of the cab, but managed to grab the vertical part of the windshield frame. As the driver was unable to swim, he immediately went into a panic. Sergeant Wilmoth without hesitation and disregarding the swift current, dove into the water and swam to the prime mover. Reaching the vehicle he caught the nearly exhausted driver and succeeded in pulling him out of the raging water safely to short. Sergeant Wilmoth's courageous achievement on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
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 Private Gordon Wireman, 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, in Augusta, Georgia, on 9 May 1954. While walking past a residence on Walker Street he and comrade observed a fire in the downstairs portion of an old, frame type, two-story building. Even though informed that the building was believed to be unoccupied, with initiative and foresight he unhesitatingly entered the flaming building shouting alarms attempting to arouse any possible residents. Two persons were discovered vainly attempting to escape from the second floor. Despite the raging flames and intense smoke, Private Wireman 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 Wireman's prompt and courageous action was responsible for preventing serious injury or possible death to the two trapped persons 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 Private First Class Rubien C. Wood (ASN: RA-14392395), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Headquarters Battery, 82d Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (Self-Propelled), 2d Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Sokkagae, North Korea on 25 August 1952. On that date, while delivering supplies to an outpost position on "Old Baldy", Private Wood observed a squad of Korean Service Corps soldiers fording a treacherously swift stream by use of a wire hand guard. With the water chest high, they had to devote their full attention and energy to hold on to the wire. Suddenly, one of the men lost his footing and was swept away. By the time the soldier's head appeared in the swirling current, Private Wood, without thought of personal safety, had plunged into the stream and was swimming in his direction. Private Wood reached the soldier just as he was about to go under again. The tremendous effort in swimming to the shore was such that Private Wood was barely able to pull himself and the soldier from the water, but waving help aside, he climbed aboard his vehicle and ordered the driver to get the still unconscious man to an aid station. The heroic actions of Private Wood reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 200 - June 19, 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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Duncombe M. Woodbury (ASN: 0-538983), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Headquarters, 82d Antiaircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion (Self Propelled), 2d Infantry Division, in action on 2 June 1951 in the vicinity of Umyang-ni, Korea. Lieutenant Woodbury risked his life in an attempt to save a comrade who was being carried away by the swift current of a flooded river. The soldier, who was wading through the swiftly flowing river in order to aid in the recovery of an antiaircraft firing vehicle, lost his footing and was swept away by the vicious current. Lieutenant Woodbury, without thought for his personal safety, and at great risk to life, jumped into the river to attempt to save the man. Working his way out, he lost his footing and only by a valiant effort was able to seize a boulder hidden under water until one of his assistants was able to throw him a line and help him back to the firing vehicle. Lieutenant Woodbury's heroism in risking his life to aid a comrade 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. 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 Sergeant Harold C. Woods (ASN: RA-6985695), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery D, 52d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, at Chanan, 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 Sergeant Woods unhesitatingly rushed to the scene and uncoupled 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.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 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 Sergeant John E. Woodward, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Detachment, 7961st United States Army, Europe Detachment, at Suresnes, France , on 15 March 1953. A canoe in which two men of his organization were paddling in the Seine River suddenly capsized. One man was unable to swim and was being swept downstream. Realizing that the man was in dire distress and helpless to extricate himself from his grave danger, Sergeant Woodward unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety plunged into the cold, swift water fully clothed in a heroic attempt to effect rescue. With great difficulty, he reached the shore with the rescued man, after swimming approximately 150 yards in treacherous currents. Sergeant Woodward's prompt and courageous action during the rescue reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - March 20, 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 (Medical Corps) Ralph M. Wymer, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Medical Company, 112th Infantry Regiment, at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. On 23 October 1950, a civilian lineman working on a power line touched a live wire and suffered severe shock. Seeing the man suspended by his safety belt, with clothing on fire, Captain Wymer, without hesitation, climbed the ladder, put out the fire, and attempted to cut the live wire. When the power was finally turned off and the victim lowered to the ground, he administered first-aid treatment. Captain Wymer's courageous act reflects great credit on himself and the military service.