Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant First Class Henry Hideo Yoda (ASN: RA-10104632), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Yoda distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 29 September 1951. On that date, Sergeant Yoda’s company was engaged in an attack against a hostile force occupying heavily fortified bunkers on a strategic slope. The friendly troops managed to destroy four of the enemy positions, but the fifth, a strong bunker, which was the key to the enemy defense system, poured such a devastating volume of fire into the ranks of the advancing troops that they were pinned down. Repeated assaults by special demolition and flame thrower teams failed to dislodge the hostile troops. Realizing the attack would fail unless immediate and aggressive action was taken, Sergeant Yoda led his squad through the pinned-down lead elements and attacked the bunker frontally. A shower of enemy grenades halted the squad, but Sergeant Yoda, taking the initiative, fired two rocket grenades which scored direct hits. Under cover of the confusion created by the explosions, he advanced on the bunker and began hurling grenades. In desperation, the enemy troops threw numerous grenades at the exposed position of Sergeant Yoda but he fearlessly dodged some and kicked the others aside. Leaping into a trench that connected which connected with the enemy bunker, Sergeant Yoda entered the emplacement, alternately firing his rifle and throwing grenades. He then signaled his squad to advance and take the bunker. In the vicious firefight that ensued, Sergeant Yoda was seriously wounded but his actions enabled the troops to renew their assault and to secure their objective. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant First Class Yoda on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 24, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 298 (July 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 Sergeant First Class Henry H. Yoda (ASN: RA-10104632), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 May 1951, Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry launched an attack against well-entrenched enemy positions near Habae-jae, Korea. When Sergeant Yoda’s platoon, which was comprised of Korean personnel, encountered intense enemy fire, the attack momentarily faltered. Although exposed to an intense hail of enemy fire, Sergeant Yoda fearlessly walked among his men, encouraging them to renew the assault. Inspired by their leader’s dauntless actions, the Republic of Korea soldiers moved aggressively forward, engaged the enemy, and drove him from his stronghold. Sergeant Yoda’s gallantry and courage reflects great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.