Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 814 (December 4, 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 First Class [then Sergeant] Tadeusz Pienkowski (ASN: US-51024934), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 16 September 1951 in the vicinity of Yanggu, Korea. On this date Company G was unexpectedly attacked by an enemy force of superior numbers. As the friendly unit withdrew to more tenable positions, the onrushing hostile force separated two squads from the remaining troops. Sergeant Pienkowski, completely disregarding his own safety, crawled under the intense enemy fire in search of his lost squads. Although sustaining a slight wound, he continued his mission. Upon locating the squads, he skillfully led them through the fire-swept area, while carrying a wounded comrade, to the safety of friendly lines. Returning to contact the hostile forces, he engaged them in close combat, inflicting numerous casualties upon them and continued in this manner until the enemy was forced to withdraw. His courageous actions undoubtedly saved the lives of many of comrades and aided immeasurably in repulsing the hostile attacks. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Pienkowski on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.