Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    39th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 18, 1950

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 10 (January 16, 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 (Field Artillery) Richard M. Ihnat (ASN: 0-2033849), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 18 December 1950, near Hungnam, Korea, Lieutenant Ihnat was attached, as artillery forward observer to 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. At approximately 0300 hours the battalion was heavily attacked by a large enemy force. Lieutenant Ihnat left his observation post, and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, fearlessly moved along the line of the perimeter to the positions from which he could best adjust fire. Exposed at all times to heavy enemy fire he moved to those portions of the line where enemy pressure was the heaviest and he could adjust fire on the maximum number of troops. He accurately adjusted fire on the enemy for a period of two hours, which resulted in repulsing the enemy with heavy losses. The bravery and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Ihnat on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.