In God We Trust
This is an incomplete list of recipients of the Silver Star medal awarded for exceptional service in (or related to) Korea after the Korean War. To contribute missing information, contact us.
Private First Class Mark A. Deville, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for exceptional valor and gallantry in action while serving with the Joint Security Force Company, United Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea, on 23 November 1984. In reaction to thirty attacking North Korean soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector, Private Deville's aggressive actions were instrumental in defeating the enemy. Throughout the intense firefight, Private Deville displayed a complete disregard for his own personal safety while accomplishing his mission. Private First Class Deville's bravery and aggressive performance of duty under extremely hazardous circumstances are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the United Nations Command and the United States Army.
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Duane Hodges, Fireman, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. PUEBLO (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When PUEBLO came under fire from these North Korean units, Petty Officer Hodges rendered invaluable assistance in the face of the intense hostile fire while participating in the unfamiliar task of destroying classified materials. Mortally wounded while carrying out this assignment, Petty Officer Hodges, by his courage, initiative, and inspiring dedication, he reflected credit upon himself and upheld and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Born: September 5, 1946 at Creswell, Oregon. Home Town: Creswell, Oregon]
Staff Sergeant Richard C. Lamb, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for exceptional valor and gallantry in action while serving with the Joint Security Force Company, United Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea, on 23 November 1984. In reaction to thirty attacking North Korean soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector, Staff Sergeant Lamb's aggressive actions were instrumental in defeating the enemy. Throughout the intense firefight, Sergeant Lamb displayed a complete disregard for his own personal safety while accomplishing his mission. Staff Sergeant Lamb's bravery and aggressive performance of duty under extremely hazardous circumstances are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the United Nations Command and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Bert Kameaaloha Mizusawa, United States Army, for exceptional valor and gallantry in action while serving as Commander of the Joint Security Force Company, United Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea, on 23 November 1984. In reaction to thirty attacking North Korean soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector, Captain Mizusawa's outstanding leadership and aggressive actions in leading his company while under fire were instrumental in defeating the enemy. Additionally, he personally led the defector to safety while under fire and deliberately, at great risk to himself, exposed himself to the enemy in front of his own troops to ensure the success of his company's combat action. Throughout the intense firefight, Captain Mizusawa displayed a complete disregard for his own personal safety while accomplishing his mission. Captain Mizusawa's bravery and outstanding leadership under extremely hazardous circumstances are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the United Nations Command and the United States Army.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist John E. Orlicki, United States Army, for exceptional valor and gallantry in action while serving as Team Leader, Joint Security Force Company, United Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea, on 23 November 1984. In reaction to thirty attacking North Korean soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector, Specialist Orlicki's aggressive actions were instrumental in defeating the enemy. He was responsible for providing sustained suppressive fires and stopping the enemy force with an M-203. Throughout the intense firefight, Specialist Orlicki displayed a complete disregard for his own personal safety while accomplishing his mission. Specialist Orlicki's bravery and aggressive performance of duty under extremely hazardous circumstances are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the United Nations Command and the United States Army.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - 4 April 1967
Private Ernest D. Reynolds, US55881470, United States Army, who while serving as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry, 2d Infantry Division, distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 2 November 1966 in the Republic of Korea by sacrificing his own life in the defense of his fellow soldiers. Private Reynolds was a member of a patrol operating near the southern boundary of the Demilitarized Zone in Korea when his patrol was attacked and overrun by an armed patrol of the North Korean Army. Prior to the attack, as rear security man, he had occupied a concealed position and opened fire upon the enemy, and he continued to fire until he himself was killed. His indomitable courage, determination, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, are in the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Source: Korean War Project
Here is a story that ran in the Hawaii Army Weekly. A soldier who served in the 1984 JSA firefight finally got his CIB: http://www.25idl.army.mil/article.cfm?art_id=651
Soldier receives honor years after mission
By Staff Sgt. Kanessa Mynett-AllenThe U.S. Army prides itself on recognizing and honoring Soldiers who distinguish themselves through actions above and beyond the call of duty. For one 25th Infantry Division (Light) Soldier, that honor arrived Monday, 16 years after an event he said changed his entire perspective on the United States military.
Staff Sgt. Gary Ross, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 25th ID (L), division deployment training center noncommissioned officer-in-charge, was awarded the Bronze Star with V device and the Combat Infantryman's Badge for a combat action he took part in as a private while stationed in Korea more than a decade and a half ago.
Lt. Col. Sam Holloway, division supply officer and Ross' supervisor, said this honor means closure for Ross. "It's final recognition for an outstanding performance of duty a long time ago. This was a long time coming, and it's a well deserved honor," Holloway said.
Ross was awarded the Bronze Star for "exceptional valor as a rifleman assigned to the Joint Security Force Company, United Nations Command Security Force at Panmunjom, Korea Nov. 23, 1984." Ross and his unit took part in a firefight with thirty North Korean Soldiers in pursuit of a Soviet defector, ensuring border security and the safety of the defector and others in the UN command sector of the Joint Security Area.
Brig. Gen. Carl Eikenberry, 25th ID (L) Assistant Division Commander (Support), presented the awards. Eikenberry was a major assigned as Ross' deputy commander at the time the firefight for which he was recognized ensued. Eikenberry explained to the guests the circumstances surrounding the long wait for Ross' overdue award and how the company commander, who now works for the Secretary of the Army, had to launch a campaign "to recognize this Soldier who performed heroically that day."
Eikenberry said it was important to remember that it's not what a Soldier wears on their chest that is important, but that it's what's inside their head and heart that matter and make a difference. He noted that Ross has been taking difficult assignments throughout his entire career and not having had these prestigious awards until now has not changed the high quality of Soldier he is.
Ross said being recognized for a combat action that took place so long ago came as a surprise and it's a huge honor for him to receive these awards. "I was not expecting it. It makes you feel really good that someone thought enough about it to keep on this after all these years," Ross said. "I continuously think of what happened over there because people died, but I never thought about it as an award due."
Ross, who initially joined the Army to earn enough money for his college education, said that that one day in Korea, just six months after he enlisted, changed his outlook on the military's mission altogether. "If this did not happen I would not have made a career out of it. I take pride in the Army and it shows a great deal of honor that I received this now. With or without it, I am proud.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Frederic Carl Schumacher, Lieutenant [then Lieutenant Junior Grade], U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 23 January 1968 which serving on board U.S.S. Pueblo (AGER-2) during the unwarranted attack upon and illegal seizure of that vessel in international waters in the Sea of Japan by North Korean naval and air force consisting of two patrol boats, four torpedo boats, and two aircraft. When the U.S.S. Pueblo came under heavy fire from these North Korean units, Lieutenant Schumacher, as Operations Officer, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense fire while organizing and providing the necessary supervision to ensure the destruction of all classified materials under his purview. Through his inspiring leadership, courage, and dedication in the face of hostile fire, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Home Town: St. Louis, Missouri]