Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Albert Richard Kopsick (ASN: 0-1882339), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the night of 15 April and early morning hours of 16 April 1953, in the vicinity of Kach’il-Li, Korea, elements of Company A, 1st Battalion, positioned on strategically valuable Outpost “Tom”, were subjected to intense concentrations of enemy mortar and artillery fire followed by an infantry attack. Lieutenant Kopsick, officer in charge, immediately set up an effective base of fire and began to assist casualties to safe positions. Learning that the three personnel in the forward listening post had been wounded, he rapidly organized a rescue force and courageously guided it to the position. Reaching the casualties, he immediately administered aid and supervised their evacuation. Later, he again moved into the area under fire to lead a screening patrol. In the operation, a land mine was detonated and wounded two men. Treating their wounds and improvising a litter, he bravely assisted in removing them to safety. Lieutenant Kopsick’s outstanding heroism and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1953

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 996 (November 8, 1953)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Albert Richard Kopsick (ASN: 0-1882339), 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, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Kopsick distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kachil-li, Korea, on the night 8 June 1953. On that night, Lieutenant Kopsick was the leader of an ambush patrol which encountered a numerically superior enemy force while operating forward of the United Nations main line of resistance. Although wounded in the initial action, Lieutenant Kopsick quickly established a defensive perimeter, then moved about the fire-swept terrain to distribute ammunition and to encourage his men. Throughout the action Lieutenant Kopsick continued to brave the intense barrage and traverse the area until he was wounded a second time and lost the use of his legs. When he saw a wounded comrade lying in an exposed area, Lieutenant Kopsick ignored his own injuries and the heavy bombardment, crawled to the casualty, and administered first aid. After dragging the wounded soldier to a covered position, he continued to fire his weapon with great effectiveness and to inspire his men until reinforcements arrive the following morning and routed the enemy force. Even though he was in a state of semi-consciousness, Lieutenant Kopsick courageously refused to be evacuated until other wounded men had been treated. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Kopsick on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.