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 Master Sergeant Winifred H. Shambley (ASN: RA-18293890), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Yong-byon, Korea, on 5 November 1950. A portion of his company’s defensive line had been overrun by the enemy, following close behind friendly units that had withdrawn under intense fire through the company position. Seeing that his platoon was receiving enemy small arms fire from the rear, Master Sergeant Shambley realized that drastic action must be taken to preserve the integrity of the unit position. With complete disregard for his own safety he ran three hundred yards under heavy enemy rifle and machine gun fire to reach the company mortar positions which had been previously abandoned. Still exposed to heavy enemy fire he laid and fired a mortar with deadly accuracy inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and forcing him to withdraw from his newly one positions. Master Sergeant Winifred’s heroic action provided the company an opportunity to reorganize and re-supply itself with ammunition, thereby strengthening the unit position so that the wounded and some of the dead could be evacuated before a withdrawal was ordered. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Master Sergeant Shambley, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 246 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Winifred H. Shambley (ASN: RA-18293890), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. 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 and the United States Army.