GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 317  27 July 1951

 

    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 officers and enlisted men :

CAPTAIN FRANK E. BLAZEY, 028693, Infantry, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 5 June 1951, near Songjong, Korea, assault troops of the 2d Battalion were forced to withdraw to the banks of the Hant'an River when a heavy counter-attack was launched by a numerically superior enemy force. The foot-bridge, previously constructed for the river-crossing, collapsed under the hail of fire and it was necessary for the troops to cross the swollen river by swimming. Captain BLAZEY voluntarily advanced to the crossing site and, despite the withering hostile fire sweeping the area, proceeded to give assistance to those men who were unable to cross back. When the guide rope broke, Captain BLAZEY twice jeopardized his life trying to get the rope back across the river. Only after he had exhausted himself physically and was given a direct order did he return to the battalion command post. The heroic actions displayed by Captain BLAZEY reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from the State of New York.

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

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