Navy Federal Credit Union

(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 Robert S. Szymczyk (ASN: RA-16320312), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in Korea. 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    2nd Battalion

    Regiment:

    19th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 311 (April 10, 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] Robert S. Szymczyk (ASN: RA-16320312), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hyon-bang-ni, Korea, on 30 January 1951. During an attack on Hill 389 the Second Platoon of which he was squad leader of the Weapons Squad came under heavy fire from well dug-in and well camouflaged positions on top of the hill and ridges, pinning it down and halting the advance. With complete disregard for personal safety he exposed himself to the withering enemy fire to move across about 100 yards of open ground to the position where he could place fire on the enemy and move his squad, on by one, into position. When his men rana out of machine gun ammunition and the enemy still had the platoon pinned down, Sergeant First Class Szymczyk, after locating the source of the enemy fire, ordered his men to cover him with their rifles. Fixing his bayonet he rushed toward the enemy positions and while shouting a battle cry dashed from foxhole to foxhole firing his weapon and charging the enemy with the bayonet. His fearless single-handed assault killed six enemy soldiers and so surprised the remainder that they dropped their weapons and fled from their positions in wild disorder. Sergeant Szymczyk’s courageous action, devotion to duty, and exemplary combat leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Infantry.