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 Private First Class Victor Kozares, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Kozares distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Soan-ni, Korea, on 6 February 1951. As the 1st platoon was halted by the intense and accurate small-arms and automatic-weapons fire of the enemy, the company commander ordered the 3d platoon, of’ which Corporal Kozares was a member, to launch a bayonet attack against the hostile emplacements. Corporal Kozares immediately led a small group forward to engage the enemy. After expending his grenades on the outer defenses of the hostile force, he called for his comrades to pass their grenades to him and continued hurling them until their defenses were breached. With this accomplished, he charged the nearest enemy emplacement, shouting for the rest of the men to follow. After killing one of the enemy with rifle fire and bayoneting another, Corporal Kozares ran down a third and killed him with his bayonet after his rifle jammed. Stopping only long enough to clear his rifle, he then moved forward through the hostile positions, killing many of the enemy with his bayonet and rifle. His courageous and aggressive actions were a primary factor in the successful accomplishment of the company’s mission. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Private First Class Kozares 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:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 491 (1951) & 503 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Victor Kozares, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea in 1950 and 1951. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.