Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 16, 1953

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 179 (June 11, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Charles R. Yetsko (ASN: US-52219316), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the Medical Company, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 16 May 1953, a concentration of hostile mortar and artillery fire landed on a friendly ammunition supply point and adjacent bunker at the base of Outpost “Harry”, in the vicinity of Songnae-dong, Korea. Several men, who were in the area, became casualties from the shell bursts. Private Yetsko, a medical aidman, voluntarily moved from his position on the main line of resistance through the intense shelling to give aid and evacuate these men. He returned twice to bring the wounded men to the comparative safety of the friendly lines. In an effort to speed up the evacuation of the remaining casualties, he drove a litter truck to the shelled area. While he was preparing a casualty to be placed in the truck, a mortar round came in. Private Yetsko immediately threw himself on the man in an effort to protect him from further injury. As a result of this courageous act, Private Yetsko was mortally wounded by the impact of the exploding round. Private Yetsko’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.