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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Roy T. Percell (ASN: US-53015846), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 April 1951, A Company’s Third Platoon, of which Corporal Percell was a member, had the mission of holding high ground on the right flank of Hill 287, near Popsu-dong, Korea. When the enemy attacked en masse, the momentum of his assault enabled him to temporarily overrun a few of the platoon’s positions. Corporal Percell, realizing the importance of containing the hostile advance, left his foxhole and firing point blank into their ranks advanced on the foe, killing two enemy soldiers. The other members of his squad followed his example and furiously engaged the enemy driving him from the friendly emplacements. Corporal Percell, noticing a wounded comrade lying in a forward position, ran through the embattled area to his aid and picking up the stricken soldier carried him to the platoon command post and safety. Corporal Percell’s gallantry and consummate boldness reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 10, 1952
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 161 (April 27, 1952)

    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 Sergeant Roy T. Percell (ASN: US-53015846), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On the night of 10 January 1952, a raider patrol from Company A was given the mission of attacking well-fortified positions on Hill 217 near Pogwang-dong, Korea. As the patrol neared the objective it was subjected to an intense barrage of enemy mortar, automatic-weapons, and small-arms fire, which effectively pinned down the friendly force and threatened its further advance. Realizing the need for the continuance of the mission, Sergeant Percell, a squad leader, completely disregarded his personal safety as he moved over the open, fire swept terrain, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire on the well-concealed hostile positions. His fearless actions and accurate direction of fire accounted for five enemy dead, five wounded, and the elimination of a heavy machine-gun emplacement. On the order to disengage the enemy, Sergeant Percell remained in an exposed position to provide covering fire for his squad and only when he was assured that all his men had reached safety would he leave the hazardous area. Sergeant Percell’s conspicuous gallantry under enemy fire reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.