The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Edward A. Konek (ASN: 0-1304913), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours on 27 April 1951 in the vicinity of Uijongbu, Korea, Company K was attacked and eventually outflanked by a numerically superior enemy force. Calmly organizing his unit, Captain Konek directed an orderly withdrawal to the adjacent B Company defensive perimeter, where he supervised the consolidation of positions before taking cover himself. Under the cover of darkness, the enemy succeeded in surrounding the friendly force, and subjected it to intense fire. Near dawn, approximately three hundred enemy reinforcements were observed approaching the unit’s positions. Immediately deploying one platoon in a flanking movement, Captain Konek led the remainder of his men in a mass bayonet assault, driving a wedge through the enemy encirclement and enabling the beleaguered troops to begin a withdrawal. Although the enemy poured continual fire into the withdrawing companies from positions on a commanding ridge, Captain Konek courageously remained in a completely exposed area, successfully directing his troops to safety with a minimum of casualties. Captain Konek’s gallantry and aggressive leadership reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
65th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 5, 1951
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 337 (August 5, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Edward A. Konek (ASN: 0-1304913), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 5 June 1951, near Cahil-li, Korea, as the 3d Battalion was approaching the Hant’an River, enemy forces opened fire with small arms, machine gun, mortar, and artillery, causing disorganization and the loss of control throughout the battalion along the open terrain. Taking immediate action, Captain Konek, S-3 Officer, assisted his commander in effectively regrouping and deploying the troops, thereby promptly returning fire upon the enemy. Without concern for his personal safety, he continually moved about through the battle area, checking the men’s positions and coordinating operations between his and other friendly units. As a direct result of Captain Konek’s efforts, control of the situation was gained, thus enabling the battalion to successfully launch an attack on the weakened foe. The heroic aggressiveness and professional skill displayed by Captain Konek reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
65th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 2, 1951
Headquarters 3d Infantry Division General Orders No. 215 (June 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 Captain (Infantry) Edward A. Konek (ASN: 0-1304913), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 2 March 1951, near Sokto, Korea, a patrol from Captain Konek’s company was brought under withering enemy fire while in an assault boat attempting to cross to the north bank of the Han River. Captain Konek, on the south bank with a squad of men, set up and directed a base of fire to cover the withdrawal of his patrol. As the boat neared the south bank, the enemy placed heavy mortar fire on the landing site and the reserve squad, but Captain Konek, completely disregarding the enemy fire, walked among his men reassuring them and directing their fire. As the patrol was unloading, a man was wounded and Captain Konek immediately went to his aid and, assisted by an enlisted man, carried the wounded man to a place of comparative safety. Unable to make radio contact and realizing that he must have supporting fire in order to withdraw the squad with any degree of safety, he proceeded across the open terrain to the battalion observation post and requested tank support. Returning to his men, he supervised the withdrawal and assisted in evacuating the wounded man. The selfless gallantry and exemplary conduct displayed by Captain Konek reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.