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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Vincent J. O’Reilly (ASN: 0-406998), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the night of 15-16 December 1950, near Songhung-ni, Korea, the enemy attacked Company I and Company M in force using small arms, automatic weapons, sixty millimeter mortars, and grenades. Because of penetrations made by the enemy, Captain O’Reilly was forced to move his command post twice. He then established contact with portions of Company M, 3d Battalion, and coordinating his action with the commander of Company M, 3d Battalion, he led his command post group in clearing the rear area of infiltrated enemy troops. During the action he searched for wounded and evacuated them on recovered vehicles. With his small group he held the line until his Executive Officer established contact with a platoon and had it moved in. Captain O’Reilly conducted this entire operation while exposed to intense enemy fire. The determination, outstanding leadership, and gallantry displayed by Captain O’Reilly reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1950
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 22 (January 27, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Infantry) Vincent J. O’Reilly (ASN: 0-406998), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. On 25 October 1950, at Yongdong, Korea, Captain O’Reilly witnessed a house blown up by the explosion of an artillery shell. He and his driver hastened to the blazing wreckage where he discovered injured persons. Although several unexploded shells were still there, Captain O’Reilly, with his driver, rushed in and removed a baby and an unconscious woman to safety. Then he began to extinguish the flames with the aid of his driver; while doing this, he found two more victims whom he assisted in removing before the building completely collapsed. Captain O’Reilly’s brave and courageous action, in the face of imminent danger, saved three lives. His heroic actions reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.