GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 466  29 October 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 oficer and enlisted men:

Private First Class JOHN KEFFAS, US51177238, Infantry, Heavy Mortar Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the afternoon of 27 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, the rear area of Heavy Mortar Company was subjected to an intense enemy mortar and artillery barrage. In the bombardment, one round struck the communications tent and seriously wounded eight occupants. Upon learning of the incident, Private KEFFAS immediately drove a truck to the demolished tent to transport the wounded to safety. Seeing the need for additional vehicles, he courageously ran back through the barrage to the motor pool and guided other trucks to the scene of action. After assisting in placing casualties on his vehicle, he bravely drove over a route under enemy fire to the collecting station, where the wounded were delivered to the surgeon. Private KEFFAS' outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from New York.

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