Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 85 (November 3, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Orville R. Steffer (ASN: 0-1011195), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 near Changnyong, Korea. On the morning of this date the Regimental Command Post was attacked by an enemy force of approximately 200 men, supported by automatic weapons and mortars. The security units of the company performed their mission well, detaining the enemy long enough for a withdrawal order to be issued. After receiving this order, these units withdrew into and around the Command Post Area, but reached the area in a confused and disorganized condition. As small groups of the platoon arrived Captain Steffer moved through direct enemy sniper and machine gun fire, reassuring and reorganizing the men into units which could fight a delaying and withdrawing action. He repeated this action each time a new group of men appeared, even though it meant continuous exposure to the accurate and heavy enemy fire. When all of the Regimental Command Post group had withdrawn, he led the remaining men in a pre-arranged withdrawal, disregarding all warnings that the enemy would probably recognize him as an officer, and snipe at him. The gallantry displayed by Captain Steffer on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.