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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alexander C. Opoulos (ASN: 0-507913), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 16 May 1951, in the vicinity of Umidong, Korea. The company which Lieutenant Opoulos commanded was holding positions on a high ridge against fierce attacks supported by a heavy concentration of small arms and automatic weapons fire. Lieutenant Opoulos was painfully wounded in the leg, making it impossible for him to move about without aid. Nevertheless, Lieutenant Opoulos shouted encouragement to his men and directed the defense against an overwhelming number of enemy. He had one of his men help him from place to place in order to observe the defense. His inspiring leadership and refusal to be evacuated proved a turning point in the battle. His men quickly responded to his directions and inflicted heavy losses upon the enemy. After five hours of battle, a withdrawal to new defensive positions was ordered. Lieutenant Opoulos, although unable to maneuver quickly due to his painful wound, directed his men to defensive positions while being aided on his feet. His exemplary leadership and courage were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of the defensive mission of his company. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Opoulos reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 7, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 110 (May 17, 1951)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alexander C. Opoulos (ASN: 0-507913), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 at Wonju, Korea. On that date the numerically preponderant enemy had penetrated the main line of defense and was attacking all forces in the vital city of Wonju. Under heavy and close range attack, Lieutenant Opoulos, a platoon leader, remained fully exposed as he moved from man to man encouraging and instilling confidence in them. When his platoon became disorganized in the heat of heavy battle, Lieutenant Opoulos quickly re-grouped them into a fighting unit. His actions were so inspiring that his men repulsed and counterattacked the fanatic enemy, inflicting heavy casualties upon them as they retreated. After personally leading this counterattack in a demonstration of utter fearlessness, he immediately established a new line of defense on the outskirts of Wonju. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed by Lieutenant Opoulos reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    133d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    34th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 1, 1943
    Headquarters, 34th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 99 (May 24, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alexander C. Opoulos (ASN: 0-507913), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, First Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy 1 November 1943, in Italy. Seeing the advance of the Battalion’s assault company bog down in the face of intense fire, Lieutenant Opoulos, Battalion S-2, advanced and joined a squad which had become separated from its platoon. He then took an automatic rifleman and five riflemen and advanced to out-flank an enemy machine gun position which was barring the company’s advance. Placing the automatic rifleman and two riflemen in position 70 yards below the enemy machine gun with instructions to hold their fire fifteen minutes, Lieutenant Opoulos led the other three riflemen around the slope of the hill. When the automatic rifleman opened fire, Lieutenant Opoulos and the three riflemen charged the crest of the hill and although one of them was killed by a sniper’s bullet, he and the other two men reached the objective and killed the three Germans occupying the machine gun position. The initiative and courageous leadership displayed by Lieutenant Opoulos enabled the Battalion to capture an important terrain feature which was the key to the German highway defenses in that area. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.