Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 7, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 571 (October 5, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Louis Gene Pearl (ASN: RA-19359059), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandae-ri, Korea. On that date Company B was attacking a well-entrenched enemy position, when the unit was halted by intense fire from an enemy bunker. Private Pearl, with utter disregard for his personal safety, advanced toward the bunker armed only with hand grenades. Although under constant fire from adjoining positions he managed to crawl within ten feet of his objective before being noticed by the enemy. They immediately opened fire on him and he was fatally wounded by enemy grenade shrapnel. In his dying moments Private Pearl managed to throw a grenade into the enemy bunker, killing all within. By his self-sacrificing deed, Private Pearl enabled his unit to continue its attack and successfully complete its mission. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Pearl reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.