Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 15, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 106 (May 13, 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 Paul Stamper (ASN: RA-15423702), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 15 February 1951 near Chipyong-ni, Korea. In the early morning hours of that date the defensive positions of his company were subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire. When a communication wire was severed by mortar fire, Private Stamper fearlessly advanced across open terrain raked by heavy enemy fire in order to reach and repair the break. As he returned to his original position, he was pinned down by fire from a hostile machine gun. He slowly inched his way to a position close to the enemy emplacement from which he was able to lob a hand grenade into it, knocking it out. In the course of this action his unit was forced to withdraw approximately 400 yards to more tenable positions. When the company later counterattacked and regained the lost ground it was discovered that Private Stamper was killed while performing his heroic action. The gallantry displayed by Private Stamper reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.