GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 228 - 5 July 1953

 

    AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL - By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, WD Bul 3, 1944), and pursuant to authority in AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal with Letter "V" device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States is awarded to the following named officer:

First Lieutenant HERMAN J. VETORT, 063987, Armor, Tank Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 14 June 1953, Lieutenant VETORT commanded a task force of tanks into enemy held territory in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, to give direct support to a friendly raiding party. As the task force moved from the friendly main line of restance, it was subjected to intense hostile mortar and artillery fire. Lieutenant VETORT immediately exposed himself to the fire and directed the movement of the tanks to the predetermined objective with calm and accurate command. Upon reaching the objective, he deployed the tanks and directed accurate fire on the enemy troops and fortification, furnishing maximum support to the attacking friendly force. While the enemy rained rockets and mortars on the tanks, Lieutenant VETORT remained exposed to the fire and continued directing effective harassing fire on the enemy force. When the mission of the friendly raiding party was successfully accomplished, he directed the task force into a position where maximum supporting fire was afforded the returning friendly troops. Lieutenant VETORT's outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Michigan.

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 - National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.