Navy Federal Credit Union

After serving in the Korean War where he earned the Silver Star, Louis Janca was subsequently Killed in Action as an Army First Sergeant during the Vietnam War.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 3, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 737 (November 18, 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 Sergeant Louis Emil Janca (ASN: RA-18355957), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Yanggu, Korea. On this date during an attack on strongly fortified enemy positions, Company C encountered intense hostile fire which halted its advance. Sergeant Janca, realizing the need for immediate action, gathered all the grenades he could carry and unhesitatingly advanced toward the nearest enemy bunker. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he assaulted the emplacement throwing hand grenades and succeeded in destroying it. He continued this action destroying several other bunkers and inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. Encouraged by his action, his comrades surged forward, assaulting the remainder of the hostile emplacements. Through his initiative and aggressiveness the enemy was completely routed and the objective secured. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Janca on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.