Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 3, 1950

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 22 (January 12, 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Walfred J. Helberg (ASN: 0-965176), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 September 1950, near Singen-ni, Korea, while an attack was in progress and all avenues of approach were under heavy mortar and sniper fire, Lieutenant Helberg guided the regimental commander to the command post of the attacking battalion. During this period the enemy launched a counterattack, penetrating the forward elements and forcing the command post group to take shelter in a culvert. When the heavy enemy fire disrupted all mechanical means of communications, Lieutenant Helberg, despite the heavy fire, left the safety of the culvert and ran the gauntlet of fire four times to guide a ground liaison team in and out of the area, thereby aiding in a successful air strike which caused the enemy to withdraw in disorder. Lieutenant Helberg’s conspicuous courage and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.