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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant First Class Adam J. Michalski (ASN: 0-2263280), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 31 March 1951, near Tongduchon-ni, Korea, Sergeant Michalski’s company was pinned down by intense plunging fire from enemy positions on Hill 526. With utter disregard for his personal safety and despite the extremely accurate fire of the enemy Sergeant Michalski and his radio operator, who were members of a sixty millimeter mortar team, moved to an exposed position where they could better direct the fire of the mortars. During the action the radio operator was mortally wounded, but Sergeant Michalski still refused to leave the dangerous open position and continued to place fire on the enemy. As a result of his tenacity at least five enemy machine gun nests were destroyed and enemy fire holding up his platoon’s advance was materially reduced. Sergeant Michalski’s heroism and steadfast courage reflect great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 23, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 365 (August 18, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant] Adam J. Michalski (ASN: 0-2263280), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 April 1951, near Popsu-dong, Korea, Company A was occupying a defense line set up on Hills 257 and 167, when the enemy launched a powerful attack on the perimeter with the sector held by the Third Platoon receiving the brunt of the assault. Greatly outnumbered by the enemy, the platoon soon had several positions overrun and was under a heavy hand grenade barrage. Lieutenant Michalski was occupying one of those foxholes when a grenade landed near him. Fearlessly picking up the missile before it could explode, he hurled it back into the enemy ranks. A short time later, he spotted another grenade and before it could reach the ground, Lieutenant Michalski rose from the cover of his position and catching the grenade, flung it back on the enemy killing three hostile soldiers. The leaving the foxhole, Lieutenant Michalski advanced into the embattled area, killing the enemy soldiers whom he encountered. Inspired by his actions, the platoon determinedly engaged the enemy and drove him from the positions. Lieutenant Michalski’s gallantry and outstanding aggressiveness reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.