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 Hubert Peter Flerchinger (ASN: RA-6555110), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant Flerchinger distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Wanjong-dong, Korea, on 10 and 11 September 1950. While his unit was defending a hill position it came under, and was pinned down by, intense enemy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire. In the ensuing action Sergeant Flerchinger moved about in the heavy enemy fire to successfully direct the defense of his platoon for more than six hours at which time the numerically superior enemy forced them to withdraw. Withdrawing to the base of the hill Sergeant Flerchinger immediately reorganized his forces and personally led them in a fierce counterattack which regained the summit despite bitter enemy resistance. While reestablishing a defense line in this position his unit was fired upon by a nest of enemy snipers which caused several casualties. Armed with only two hand grenades, Sergeant Flerchinger crawled forward to their position in an effort to destroy it. Finding ten enemy soldiers occupying the fox-hole, he engaged them, killing two and wounding three with his hand grenades and forcing four to flee. Grappling with the last remaining enemy in hand-to-hand combat, Sergeant Flerchinger lifted his opponent above his head, holding him in this position until he was shot by another soldier. Although severely mauled in the action Sergeant Flerchinger refused to be evacuated and remaining with his men effectively directed the successful defense of his regained position. Sergeant Flerchinger’s fearless courage, inspiring aggressiveness, and superb leadership was responsible for inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy and turned a possible defeat into victory. His extraordinary heroism reflects great credit on himself and the military service.

Awards Received