Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Sylvester V. Porubsky (ASN: 0-1313302), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. While leading his platoon to attack and seize an important ridge and hill in the vicinity of Panan, Korea, on 6 September 1950, First Lieutenant Porubsky deployed and led his men across an open rice paddy to the base of the hill. As the platoon moved up the hill, First Lieutenant Porubsky ranged back and forth in front of his men selecting approaches to the enemy despite the intense volume of enemy small arms and machine gun fire. Upon reaching the top of the hill, Lieutenant Porubsky was mortally wounded while emplacing his squads. Lieutenant Porubsky’s heroic leadership reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 1, 1950

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 169 (November 13, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Sylvester Vincent Porubsky (ASN: 0-1313302), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Porubsky distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chirwon-ni, Korea, on 1 September 1950. On this date, Company A was assigned the mission of retaking a ridge in the vicinity of Chirwon-ni, Korea. Shortly after darkness Lieutenant Porubsky deployed his platoon in a skirmish line and moved slowly and silently up the hill through the hostile fire. When the silently-moving group unnerved the enemy and flashes from their weapons disclosed the hostile positions, Lieutenant Porubsky and his platoon neutralized the opposition with grenades. As the platoon continued its movement up the hill, the enemy, terrified by the silent attack, hastily abandoned their positions and fled. When the enemy moved over the crest of the hill, Lieutenant Porubsky led his platoon in a charge which destroyed the hostile ranks with grenades and rifle fire, accounted for thirty enemy dead, and secured a vital position in the battalion defense line. Lieutenant Porubsky’s outstanding heroism, superb leadership and tactical ability reflects great credit on himself and the military service. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Porubsky on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.