(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Herbert John Vander Heide (ASN: 0-17754), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, in 1952. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Vander Heide, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Herbert John Vander Heide (ASN: 0-17754), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Lsil Gol, Korea, on 21 September 1951. Company G was fighting deep in enemy territory with the objective of establishing a blocking position. After intensive fighting, the friendly troops accomplished their mission, but were in danger of being overrun by numerically superior, counterattacking enemy forces who had them surrounded on three sides and were deploying devastating mortar, machine gun, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Ammunition was running low and the enemy threatened to cut the group off from other friendly units. The men, realizing the dire position they were in, were bordering on panic. In the midst of this confusion, Colonel Vander Heide appeared among them. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he calmly moved throughout the company, unhesitatingly exposing himself to the murderous enemy fire to shout words of encouragement and to instill in his men the aggressive will to win. Seizing a rifle, he shouted to the soldiers to follow him and then rushed toward the enemy lines, firing with deadly accuracy into their positions. The men, inspired by his fearless leadership, reorganized with renewed determination and attacked the surrounding enemy, fighting more fiercely than ever until the enemy was cleared from his advantageous positions. Colonel Vander Heide’s courageous action, inspirational leadership and deep devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of the unit’s mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.