GENERAL ORDERS - NUMBER 323  7 Aug 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 enlisted men:

Sergeant JOHN M. MIHALYAK, US52209402, Armor, Tank Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division Division, United States Army. On the night of 14 June and early morning of 15 June 1953, a task force of tanks supported a raid on Hill "412" in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Sergeant MIHALYAK was the gunner on the lead tank of the task force which penetrated deep into enemy held territory. As his tank moved through the hazardous antitank mine field in the valley, it was subjected to intense mortar and artillery fire. Upon reaching a suitable firing position, he immediately opened fire on the enemy in support of the friendly forces' raid on the hill. Soon after the inception of his firing, the enemy subjected the tank position to rocket fire in an attempt to neutralize its position. Sergeant MIHALYAK, undaunted by the shell blasts which struck about the tank, continued firin, placing vitally needed supporting fire on the enemy troops and fortifications to overcome their resistance to the advance of the friendly forces. After the raiding party attained its objective, he shifted his fire to the valley between Hill "412" and outpost "HARRY" and aided in preventing the enemy force from reinforcing their troops on Hill "412". As the friendly raiding party began their retrograde movement after sucessfully accomplishing its mission, he covered their movement again with heavy and effective supporting fire. Sergeant MIHALYAK'S outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Pennsylvania.

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