The Medal Of Honor To Be Bestowed Upon Two U.S. Veterans
By Staff
April 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 13 (UPI) -- Two U.S. soldiers whose heroism in the Korean War saved their comrades' lives at the expense of their own will be awarded Medals of Honor, the White House said.
President Barack Obama will present the medals for conspicuous gallantry May 2 to family members of Army Pfc. Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano and Pfc. Henry Svehla.
Kaho'ohanohano was in charge of a machine-gun squad in Company H, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division when the enemy attacked with overwhelming numbers Sept. 1, 1951, the White House said in a statement Wednesday. He ordered his squad to take cover and provide protecting fire for the withdrawing U.S. troops.
After gathering grenades and ammunition, he returned to his original position to face the enemy alone, laying down deadly accurate fire until his ammunition was gone. He then engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed.
Kaho'ohanohano's last stand inspired his comrades to counterattack and repel the enemy.
Svehla was a rifleman with Company F, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, when his platoon came under heavy fire June 12, 1952.
The White House statement said Svehla leaped to his feet and charged the enemy positions, firing his weapon and throwing grenades as he advanced. Disregarding his own safety, he destroyed enemy positions, inflicting heavy casualties. When an enemy grenade landed among his comrades, he threw himself on it, suffering fatal wounds.
- -
| 