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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Hans G. Olsen (ASN: 0-1925827), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the night of 14 June 1953, Company E made a raid on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. Lieutenant Olsen was platoon leader of the support element as the company made their way through the heavy enemy artillery towards their objective. When the support element reached its position, he directed a base of fire on the hill despite heavy enemy shelling concentrated on his area. Although wounded by the enemy fire, he remained in place, directing protective fire. After three assaults on the enemy outpost, the company was ordered to return to friendly lines. After returning to the main line of resistance, Lieutenant Olsen discovered several men were still missing. He immediately organized a patrol to search the battle area for the missing men. Under extremely dangerous conditions, he searched the entire area and evacuated several wounded men. Only after assured that no one remained on the hill did he allow himself to be given first aid for his wounds. Lieutenant Olsen’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 9, 1953
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 229 (6 July 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Hans G. Olsen (ASN: 0-1925827), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 9 June 1953, Lieutenant Olsen was patrol leader of an assault element which engaged in a firefight with the enemy on Hill 412 in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea. When his patrol entered the trenches of the enemy stronghold, he deployed his men with maximum effective results. During the course of action, he destroyed an enemy bunker together with enemy personnel by moving directly to its aperture and hurling grenades into it. When the enemy attempted to by pass the exposed flank of the element, he effectively fired his weapon and mortally wounded the foe. When the patrol’s ammunition was nearly expended, he ordered a return to friendly lines. As a result of his actions, the mission was successfully completed and numerous casualties were inflicted upon the enemy force. Lieutenant Olsen’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.