In God We Trust
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Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - 10 April 1962
Private First Class Ronnie A. Papizan, RA14709368, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroism on 19 October 1961, in Korea while assigned to Company A, 13th Signal Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. While assisting in the installation of a telephone drop wire, Private Papizan observed that soldier working on a nearby pole had come in contact with overhead high voltage lines and could not free himself. Fully aware that he too would come in contact with the high voltage through the body of the trapped soldier, he unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, climbed the pole and grasped the feet of the victim, causing both bodies to fall free of the pole and power lines. Although the rescued soldier was safely hurled to grass below, Private Papizan sustained severe injuries when his head struck a concrete sidewalk. Private Papizan's exceptional courage and heroic action in the face of grave personal risk saved the life of his fellow soldier, and reflect great credit on himself and the military service. (This award supersedes so much of General Orders Number 149, Headquarters 1st Cavalry Division, dated 28 November 1961, as pertains to the previous award of the Army Commendation Medal to Private Papizan for meritorious achievement on 19 October 1961.)
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 315 - 14 August 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ernest J. Pataky (ASN: 0-1925444), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 28 July 1953, in the vicinity of Ansan, North Korea. On that date, at approximately 1555 hours, an explosion occurred in an ammunition dump, inflicting numerous casualties. Lieutenant Pataky, showing complete disregard for personal safety, rushed into the holocaust, and seeming oblivious to the flying shrapnel about him, worked persistently in the area searching for injured men and carrying them to safety and medical attention. Only after he was certain that all the wounded had been safely evacuated did he leave the danger area. His prompt and unhesitating actions in the face of grave danger, undoubtedly saved the lives of many seriously wounded men. Lieutenant Pataky's courage and devotion to comrades reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 5 - 9 February 1962
Specialist Four Walter B. Perkins, RA17539659, United States Army, a member of Combat Support Company, 1st Battle Group, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, distinguished himself by heroism on 24 September 1961, in Korea. While boating on the Yong-ju Gol reservoir Specialist Perkins sighted a young Korean girl struggling in deep waters approximately seventy-five yards off shore. Displaying remarkable composure and complete disregard for his own safety he plunged into the waters fully clothes and swam to her. In the ensuing struggle she pulled Specialist Perkins under water and fought off his attempts to rescue her. Despite this vigorous resistance Specialist Perkins managed to free himself and calm the girl. As he towed her towards shore a boy in a small boat rowed out to meet them. Specialist Perkins assisted in placing the victim in the boat. Realizing that this small craft would sink if overloaded by his weight specialist Perkins, although exhausted, swam to shore without assistance. Specialist Perkins' alertness, prompt action and disregard of his personal safety in this emergency reflect great credit on himself and are in the highest traditions of the military service. (This award supersedes so much of General Orders Number 14, Headquarters 1st Cavalry Division, dated 3 November 1961, as pertains to previous award of the Army Commendation Medal to Specialist Perkins for meritorious achievement on 24 September 1961.)
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 42 - 7 November 1960
Specialist Four John F. Piech, United States Army, a member of Battery "B", 1st Howitzer Battalion (8"), 17th Artillery, distinguished himself by heroism in the vicinity of the village of Sarang-Ni near the Han Tan Chon River in Korea, on 24 May 1960. While undergoing unit practice for the annual battery test, Specialist Piech was informed that a field mine had accidentally exploded and seriously injured three Republic of Korea civilians. When a request was made for assistance in behalf of the victims, Specialist Piech immediately volunteered his services. With full knowledge that the area at the scene of the explosion contained armed mines, and despite the existing possibility of a mine detonating in the field at any time, he assisted in the evacuation of the injured Korean nationals, and aided Republic of Korea Army soldiers in controlling civilians in the vicinity. The complete disregard which Specialist Piech displayed for his own personal safety, and the unselfish and courageous actions which he manifested by risking his life in this dangerous emergency are in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 360 - 3 September 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert J. Povsha (ASN: 0-2096962), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 28 July 1953, in the vicinity of Ansan, North Korea. On the afternoon of that date, an explosion occurred, causing several casualties. Lieutenant Povsha, the Battalion Adjutant, went to the scene of the accident to obtain information covering casualty reports. Seeming oblivious to the still flying shrapnel and realizing the dire need for assistance, he volunteered to aid in the evacuation of the wounded. Not until he was assured that all the wounded had been safely evacuated and he had a complete report did he leave the danger area. His prompt and unhesitating actions in the face of grave danger undoubtedly saved the lives of many comrades. Lieutenant Povsha's heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.