Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Hospitalman Stanley L. Roderick (NSN: 3305154), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Corpsman with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 June 1951. Hospitalman Roderick displayed outstanding qualities of professional skill and courage in the performance of his duties as a Corpsman. During the attack on a steep and well defended hill near Inje, the assault elements of the company were taken under intense fire from a cleverly camouflaged enemy machine gun only twenty yards to their front, and from automatic weapons on both flanks. Three men were instantly killed, seventeen wounded and the company advance halted. Unhesitatingly, he rushed through the withering fire and, completely disregarding his own safety, began to administer first aid to the wounded. Although the enemy added mortars to the heavy fire already sweeping the area, he continued to move from man to man treating their wounds and helping to move them to covered positions for a period of over forty-five minutes. Only after all the casualties had been removed from the danger zone, did he seek cover himself. Hospitalman Roderick’s courageous actions undoubtedly saved the lives of several wounded comrades, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospitalman

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    May 28, 1951

    Commanding General, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced) FMF: 59700 (November 25, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Stanley L. Roderick (NSN: 3305154), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May 1951. As a Corpsman in a Rifle Platoon, Hospitalman Roderick was in the attack with his unit when the platoon was ordered to withdraw temporarily from the steep hill and wait for supporting fire. At this moment he noticed a Marine, wounded in both arms and legs, located very close to the enemy and unable to move to safety. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he rushed forward in the face of intense enemy automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire to reach the wounded man. He then moved the disabled Marine all the way down the precipitous slope, still exposed to heavy enemy fire, until he secured the evacuation of his patient. His exceptional courage and devotion to duty under fire were an inspiration to all who observed him, and contributed to saving the life of a Marine. Hospitalman Roderick’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.