Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 3, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 71 (March 22, 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 Master Sergeant Harry Relf (ASN: RA-6389478), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 February 1951, near Sokon-no, Korea, Sergeant Rolf’s company had the mission of taking Hill 319, a strongly-held enemy emplacement blocking the advance of the battalion. One of the platoons advancing across open terrain sustained heavy casualties. Sergeant Rolf, with utter disregard for his personal safety, exposed himself to continual heavy fire by rushing forward to one of the wounded men and carrying him to safety. Placing this wounded man in a covered position, he returned to the open area under intense fire, despite warnings from a wounded officer to seek a covered position. Ignoring these pleas he personally evacuated the officer. Fearlessly exposing himself he supervised the evacuation of other wounded men from the fire-swept area. The heroic actions of Sergeant Relf saved the lives of many men and inspired the men in his company to drive the enemy force from the hill and successfully accomplish their mission. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Relf reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.