The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Sergeant [then Private First Class] George Miniard, Jr. (ASN: RA-15379810), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 30 November 1950 in the vicinity of Songchon, Korea. Company M was withdrawing under attack by overwhelming enemy forces over a route which was covered by enemy roadblocks. During the withdrawal, a jet aircraft which had been strafing the attacking enemy forces circled over the company and crashed in a nearby rice paddy where it burst into flames. Sergeant Miniard, with a comrade, immediately rushed to the burning wreckage. Seeing the pilot trapped in the cockpit, he forced his way through the flames and billowing smoke and, heedless of the terrific heat, cut the pilot’s safety belt. In so doing, he suffered severe burns on his face and hands. Despite his painful injuries, Sergeant Miniard continued to aid his comrade in improvising a stretcher and carrying the wounded pilot to the nearest road where he could be evacuated by ambulance. The heroism and selfless action of Sergeant Miniard in going to the aid of a comrade at the risk of his own life reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
SergeantBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
38th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 18, 1951
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 176 (June 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 Sergeant George Miniard, Jr. (ASN: RA-15379810), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kiwajimal, Korea. On that date Sergeant Miniard was leading a section of 75-mm. recoilless rifles attached to a rifle company in the defense of a high ridge. At about 0030 hours, the enemy attacked the hill in force and was moving up the hill toward the positions occupied by Sergeant Miniard’s section. Sergeant Miniard jumped out of his hole, running from position to position with complete disregard for his own safety, and directed the fire of his men against the onrushing foe. Despite the intense fire delivered by the enemy, Sergeant Miniard continued calmly to expose himself in order to control the fire of his men. When the enemy fire was the heaviest and the situation seemed almost hopeless, Sergeant Miniard stumbled over a radio in the darkness. Quick to realize the possibility of getting supporting fire, Sergeant Miniard immediately turned to the artillery channel and called for fire to be brought on his own position in order to disperse the enemy who had advanced to that point. Again and again he called for this fire and, finally, when the enemy was completely dispersed by this fire, Sergeant Miniard gathered his men and joined the support platoon of the rifle company in a counterattack to complete the removal of the enemy from the hill. The gallantry in action and inspiring leadership displayed by Sergeant Miniard on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.