In God We Trust
This is an incomplete list of recipients of the Bronze Star medal, awarded for exceptional service in (or related to) Korea after the Korean War. To contribute missing information, contact us.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 31 - 30 September 1964
Specialist Five Harold Aldrich, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroic achievement while engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force on 13 November 1963, in Korea, and while serving with the Armistice Affairs Division, United Nations Command/United States Forces Korea, as a member of the United Nations Command component of Joint Observer Team Number 4. Specialist Aldrich displayed fortitude, courage, and military discipline when the unarmed and properly identified Team was fired upon without warning by hostile forces as it was conducting an inspection of the Military Demarcation Line markers and safe lanes in accordance with the Armistice and subsequent agreements. To escape the onslaught of heavy machine gun and rifle fire, the Team members sought cover in icy waters near the north bank of the North Han River where they were pinned down for four and one-half hours. Although he was wounded, Specialist Aldrich demonstrated perseverance and outstanding ability to cope with the unexpected. Through his personal example and encouragement to the Team, he was highly instrumental in maintaining its morale, discipline, and determination, and in its success in reaching a place of safety. Specialist Aldrich's professional competence, heroic conduct, and devotion to duty in this hazardous situation reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders No. 5 - 26 April 1985
For action 23 November 1984 while serving with the United Nations Command Support Group - Joint Security Area, Korea. Private Burgoyne.
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 31 - 30 September 1964
Lieutenant Colonel Alphus R. Clark, Infantry, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroic achievement while engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force on 13 November 1963, in Korea, and while serving with the Armistice Affairs Division, United Nations Command/United States Forces Korea, and serving as the Senior Member of the United Nations Command component of Joint Observer Team Number 4. Colonel Clark demonstrated fortitude, courage, and professional skill when the unarmed and properly identified Team was fired upon without warning by hostile forces as it was conducting an inspection of the Military Demarcation Line markers and safe lanes in accordance with the Armistice and subsequent agreements. To escape the onslaught of heavy machine gun and rifle fire, the Team members sought cover in icy waters near the north bank of the North Han River where they were pinned down for four and one-half hours. Throughout the grueling ordeal, Colonel Clark rendered encouragement to the Team members and displayed decisive leadership and sound judgment which resulted in their safe escape after the prolonged period in icy waters under heavy hostile gun fire. When it appeared that the incident could develop into a fire fight between the guard posts on each side of the river, he was highly instrumental in preventing a major conflict by urging the Republic of Korea forces on the south bank to withhold counter fire. Colonel Clark's heroic conduct, and outstanding performance of duty in this hazardous situation reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 3 - 23 January 1968
Second Lieutenant David K. Colwell, O5338964, Infantry, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroism at the risk of his life on 10 August 1967 near the Korean Demilitarized Zone as a Platoon Leader, Company B, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colwell displayed great personal courage and uncommon professionalism during an ambush attack by the Communist North Koreans on a vehicle transporting members of Company B, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry. Soon after the initial attack, Lieutenant Colwell leaped from the safety and cover of his trailing vehicle and advanced, under heavy automatic weapons fire and armed with only a .45 caliber pistol, to aid the men of the ambushed truck. Upon reaching the besieged vehicle, he immediately began to defend his position with a borrowed M-14 rifle, while shouting orders and encouragement to the men. Demonstrating exceptional bravery and leadership, Lieutenant Colwell then exposed himself to intense enemy fire and lowered the tailgate of the truck in order to evacuate injured personnel and redeploy the men and weapons to ward off the North Koreans. His outstanding and heroic actions greatly assisted in driving off the enemy and prevented possible further injury and deaths among the trapped soldiers. Lieutenant Colwell's intrepidity and conspicuously outstanding performance reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 15 - 8 April 1968
Sergeant First Class Alan C. Deaver, Infantry, United States Army, who distinguished himself by heroic action against an armed enemy on 16 July 1967, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry (Mechanized), 2d Infantry Division. On this date, Sergeant Deaver was in charge of a position along the Korean Demilitarized Zone when it was attacked by an undetermined number of North Korean infiltrators. After overrunning the position, the enemy withdrew toward the Demilitarized Zone in an attempt to exfiltrate. Sergeant Deaver volunteered to lead one of the patrols that was dispatched to capture the intruders prior to their crossing the Demilitarized Zone. In an attempt to extricate the infiltrators from the United Nations side of the Demilitarized Zone, the enemy directed effective small-arms fire against Sergeant Deaver's patrol. At this time, Sergeant Deaver observed one of the enemy soldiers attempting to escape across a stream bed under the protection of the enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own personal safety he gave chase to the escaping aggressor until he closed with him. He then delivered effective pistol fire upon the enemy soldier, mortally wounding him. Sergeant Deaver's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 57 - 17 October 1968
Sergeant Stephen L. Grace, US56705807, United States Army, who distinguished himself by his heroic actions near the Korean Military Demarcation Line on 21 April 1968 while assigned to Company B, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. Sergeant Grace voluntarily exposed himself to hostile fire in order to save the life of a wounded comrade and thwart the enemy's attempt to destroy his ten man force. As two patrols moved to secure a hill about 100 meters south of the Military Demarcation Line, one patrol leader advanced to the crest alone. Two shots hit him; then both patrols received heavy enemy fire. Quickly deploying his men, Sergeant Grace advanced up the hill, removed the wounded man to the relative safety of a depression, and assumed a defensive position. Observing two individuals attempting to flank his element, he moved to a position behind a tree. As he was firing on the enemy personnel, Sergeant Grace was wounded in the right arm, knocking his weapon out of his hands and rolling him down the hill. Unarmed, having little cover, and in pain, he continued to direct his men in returning fire. Sergeant Grace's forceful leadership and clear judgment enabled the squad to drive the attackers from the hill and prevented further injury and loss of life. His intrepidity and heroic conduct reflect great credit upon himself , the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device awarded to Sergeant Grace for heroism on 21 April 1968, as announced in General Orders Number 47, Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, APO San Francisco 96207, dated 28 May 1968.)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 36 - 19 August 1966
Sergeant Timothy D. Hanna, Infantry, United States Army, who while serving as a member of Company C, 2d Battalion 23d Infantry, distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 18 November 1965, in Korea. Sergeant Hanna was leading a patrol in its return from the Demilitarized Zone in Korea when a noise was heard in the underbrush. After positioning his men, he tried to move forward but was stopped when wounded by hostile automatic weapons fire. Ignoring his multiple wounds, he continued to move forward, covered his men, and kept the patrol under control in a manner which prevented further casualties and unfavorable incidents. Sergeant Hanna's Sound judgment, professional ability, and heroic conduct in this hazardous situation reflect distinct credit upon himself and the United States Army. (This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device awarded to Sergeant Timothy D. Hanna for heroism on 18 November 1965, as announced in General Orders Number 14, Headquarters 2d Infantry Division, APO San Francisco 96224, dated 18 January 1966.)
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 33 - 26 July 1967
Sergeant Robert W. Hawkins, United States Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry, 2d Infantry Division, displayed heroic action during operations against a ground enemy on 5 April 1967, at Guard Post 566, vicinity Taesong-Dong in the Demilitarized Zone of Korea. While in the process of improving defensive positions on the guard post perimeter, Sergeant Hawkins and two members of his squad were attacked by an enemy force of squad or larger size which had moved south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Sergeant Hawkins immediately ordered his men into firing position and directed their fire against the hostile force, killing the three enemy who had penetrated the MDL. Sergeant Hawkins and elements of his squad were pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons fire from a woodline north of the MDL. Acting with keen foresight and judgment, Sergeant Hawkins ordered a fire team to establish a base of fire to cover the withdrawal of himself and other personnel who had been pinned down. Sergeant Hawkins then moved his two squad members by fire and maneuver to a more advantageous position to a trenchline on the Guard Post. Sergeant Hawkins then rallied his squad and directed their fire upon the hostile force, thus rendering the enemy ineffective and causing the remaining enemy to withdraw in wild disorder. Sergeant Hawkins' professional and inspiring leadership resulted in killing at least three of the enemy and a routing of the hostile force without loss or injury to his squad. His gallantry and heroism while under fire reflect great credit upon himself and his unit. His actions were in the highest tradition of the United States Army.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 26 - 18 June 1968
Private First class Claude M. Hester, (then Private), United States Army, a member of Company C, 76th Engineer Battalion (Construction), Camp Liberty Bell, Joint Security Area, Korea, who distinguished himself by heroic action during operations against an armed infiltrator force on 28 August 1967 at the south boundary of the demilitarized zone in Korea. At 1645 hours, a North Korean infiltrator force fired directly from hidden hillside positions into all tents, buildings and sectors of Company C with heavy and light automatic weapons fire. Private Hester had driven into the company motor pool parking area in a 5-ton dump truck when the enemy fire commenced. All other persons in the company area were either unarmed, pinned down, or caring for the wounded. Private Hester did not leave his truck cab but, without regard for his own life or safety, calmly and methodically fired a 20-round magazine of ammunition with his M-14 rifle directly into the hostile force positions. This action undoubtedly reduced the enemy's rate of fire and hampered their accuracy. He was the only individual in the unit to return the hostile fire within the first minutes of the attack. He then dismounted his truck, obtained more ammunition from an arriving Infantry force and again, with complete disregard for his own safety, accompanied the Infantry squad in an aggressive sweep of the hill. His gallantry and heroism while under intense fire were in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and his unit.
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 36 - 5 November 1964
Corporal George F. Larion Jr., United States Army, distinguished himself by heroic achievement while engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force on 30 July 1963, in the vicinity of Notlri, Korea. Upon learning that an armed North Korean patrol had been sighted in the area of Notlri, Corporal Larion unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in a military operation to drive out the hostile forces. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he joined the skirmish line and, while displaying coolness and fortitude, participated in the effort to locate the insurgents until he was mortally wounded by hostile gunfire. His courage, professional competence, and dedicated devotion to duty served to detect the position of the hostile forces and contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the mission. Corporal Larion's courageous actions and outstanding performance of duty in this hazardous situation reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
For meritorious service as a crew member of the USS PUEBLO (AGER-2) during their period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 36 - 5 November 1964
Sergeant Abraham W. McManus, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroic achievement while engaged in military operations against an opposing armed force on 30 July 1963, in the vicinity of Notlri, Korea. Upon learning that an armed North Korean patrol had been sighted in the area of Notlri, Sergeant McManus unhesitatingly volunteered to join a skirmish line and drive out the hostile forces. When a fellow soldier close to him was suddenly felled by hostile gunfire during the advance, he displayed coolness and fortitude, made his way toward the direction of the gunfire, and detected the position of the hostile forces. Noticing that one was preparing a grenade and another attempting to load an automatic weapon, Sergeant McManus demonstrated complete disregard for his own personal safety by jumping to his feet and preventing the hostile action from materializing. His courage, professional competence, and dedicated devotion to duty served to avert further casualties to his unit and contributed in great measure to the successful accomplishment of the mission. Sergeant McManus' heroic actions and outstanding performance of duty in this hazardous situation reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Frederic Carl Schumacher, United States Navy, for meritorious service as a crew member of the U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during his period of captivity in North Korea from 24 January to 23 December 1968. Although subjected to extreme forms of physical and mental cruelties, which were in violation of all international agreements, he steadfastly demonstrated defiance and total resistance towards his captors. He never wavered in his devotion to duty and loyalty to the United States, even though the guards and interrogators, frustrated by his behavior, increased the tempo and severity of their ruthless treatment. His courageous stand served to inspire his fellow prisoners and strengthened their will to resist. By his exemplary performance of duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Schumacher is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 57 - 17 October 1968
Specialist Four George R. Siembida, RA11640319, United States Army, who distinguished himself by heroic actions near the Korean Demilitarized Zone on 21 April 1968 while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division. Specialist Siembida voluntarily and without regard to personal safety exposed himself to hostile fire in the performance of his duties as an aid man. Arriving at the scene of an intense fire fight, Specialist Siembida was quickly informed of the location of wounded personnel. After giving instructions to the other aid men, he proceeded to reach the casualties. Despite the heavy enemy fire, Specialist Siembida ran approximately 100 meters across an open area to the first man. Finding him dead, he shouldered the body and made the perilous return to friendly positions, preventing possible enemy capture of the body. He thereupon again dashed through the heavy fire to reach the other wounded personnel. Struggling to a forward position, Specialist Siembida found that the men had already been evacuated. He retrieved valuable discarded equipment, and, after traversing the open area for the fourth time, supervised the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Specialist Siembida's outstanding intrepidity and heroic conduct reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. (This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device awarded to Specialist Four Siembida for heroism on 21 April 1968, as announced in General Orders Number 47, Headquarters 7th Infantry Division, APO San Francisco 96207, dated 28 May 1968.)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 57 - 17 October 1968
Second Lieutenant Roy W. Turgeon, Jr., O5342903, Infantry, United States Army, who distinguished himself by his heroic actions near the Korean Military Demarcation Line on 21 April 1968. While attached to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division, Lieutenant Turgeon voluntarily and without regard to personal safety exposed himself to intense fire while directing counter-action against an attacking enemy force. His Quick Reaction Force arrived at the scene of a fire fight in which ten friendly personnel were pinned down. Upon drawing fire, Lieutenant Turgeon deployed his personnel in order to effect the most efficient return fire. In the course of the fight, he observed wounded friendly personnel on the side of a hill. Despite withering enemy fire, he twice crossed 70 meters of open area in order to move a wounded man to the relative security of friendly track vehicles. Lieutenant Turgeon's strong, fearless leadership effected the rescue of the hard pressed patrol by forcing the enemy to retreat north of the Military Demarcation Line. Lieutenant Turgeon's intrepidity and heroic conduct in the face of the enemy reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. (This award supersedes award of the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device as announced in General Orders Number 46, Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, APO San Francisco 96207, dated 28 May 1968.)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 26 - 18 June 1968
Private First Class Jack L. Tyrell, Jr., United States Army, who distinguished himself by courageous action on 10 August 1967, when the patrol he was guiding was ambushed by an undetermined number of North Korean agents, at the southern end of the Demilitarized Zone. Leading the patrol to an intersection of two trails, his dog, Blackie, suddenly scented the hidden North Koreans and lunged toward them. One of the North Koreans then began firing an automatic weapon, killing the dog and wounding Private Tyrell. Despite his wounds, Private Tyrell alerted the patrol and began firing into the enemy positions. With complete disregard for his own life, Private Tyrell continued to fire on the enemy until he was struck in the head by enemy fire and knocked unconscious. Through his heroic actions, Private Tyrell forced the enemy to spring the ambush prematurely, thus preventing the possible injury or loss of life of other members of the patrol. Private Tyrell's performance of duty was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division and the United States Army. (This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal with "v" device awarded to Private Tyrell for heroism displayed on 10 August 1967, as announced in General Orders Number 285, Headquarters 2d Infantry Division, dated 19 October 1967.)