Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Henry E. Mattila (ASN: 0-2263053), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 14 October 1951 in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea. On this date Lieutenant Mattila’s platoon launched an assault on well fortified and strategic enemy-held positions. While courageously leading his platoon up the enemy infested hill it came under a heavy concentration of hostile fire and was pinned down. Lieutenant Mattila, realizing the need for immediate action, ordered his men to remain in their positions and provide covering fire while he attempted to destroy the main hostile emplacement which had his unit pinned down. Completely ignoring the danger to his own life he flanked the enemy’s position and destroyed the emplacement while continuously under fire from neighboring hostile positions. While returning to his men, Lieutenant Mattila destroyed another enemy bunker with grenades, killing all its occupants. Then, reorganizing his men, he led them on in a renewed assault on the enemy-held hill. Fearlessly encouraging his men from the foremost element he inflicted numerous enemy casualties and led them in securing the objective. The gallantry in action and outstanding leadership displayed by Lieutenant Mattila reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 31, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 872 (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 (Infantry), [then Master Sergeant] Henry E. Mattila (ASN: 0-2263053), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 31 August 1951 in the vicinity of Mundse-ri, Korea. On this date Company C was in the attack to secure an enemy-held hill despite very poor visibility. As the unit advanced up the side of the hill, they were ambushed and pinned down by a numerically superior enemy force. Lieutenant Mattila fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved to the rear where he directed mortar and artillery fire on the enemy. He then returned and directed an orderly withdrawal. Lieutenant Mattila was severely wounded, but refused to be evacuated until all of his company was out of danger. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Mattila reflect great upon himself and the military service.