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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Seth S. Stevens (ASN: ER-46031545), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 4 May 1951, near Hyonchang-ni, Korea, Company I was assaulting a well dug-in series of enemy emplacements on Hill 372 when one of its platoons was suddenly pinned down by intense enemy machine gun fire. Corporal Stevens’ platoon succeeded in locating the enemy emplacement but was unable to destroy it because of the shower of grenades and automatic weapons fire dropping from enemy positions above. Corporal Stevens, accompanied by another rifleman, courageously rose from his protected position, advanced toward the enemy, and successfully destroyed the enemy emplacement with well directed hand grenades. Continuing up the hill in order to locate snipers who were placing effective fire upon elements of Company I, 3d Battalion, Corporal Stevens and his comrade discovered two concealed enemy soldiers and successfully overpowered them. The gallant and courageous actions displayed by Corporal Stevens reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant [then Corporal]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 23, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 463 (October 13, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant [then Corporal] Seth S. Stevens (ASN: ER-46031545), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 May 1951, a numerically superior enemy force attacked I Company’s positions on Hill 860 near Tokko-ri, Korea. After an intense firefight the sector of the perimeter, which was the focal point of the assault, suffered numerous casualties and threatened to give way, thus allowing the enemy to overrun the area. To lift the pressure on the weakened portion of the line, a squad of riflemen was dispatched to flank the enemy, but after moving out on its mission, it became pinned down by the withering hostile fire. Sergeant Stevens immediately and voluntarily exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to lay down a screen of fire and allow his squad to move on. Not until he had been wounded twice did he withdraw for medical attention. Sergeant Stevens’ vital contribution to his unit’s defense and his personal heroism reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.