Melvin O. Handrich-Manawa, WI
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 44° 26.250 W 088° 55.998
16T E 346142 N 4922284
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Sobuk, San Mountain, Korea on August 25-26, 1950. He was killed in action. He is buried in Little Wolf Cemetery, Manawa, WI.
Waymark Code: WMXE4C
Location: Wisconsin, United States
Date Posted: 01/01/2018
Views: 1
He was born on January 26, 1919 in Manawa, WI and died on August 26, 1950 in South Korea. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *HANDRICH, MELVIN O.
• Rank and organization: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 5th Infantry Regiment.
• Place and date: Near Sobuk San Mountain, Korea, 25 and 26 August 1950.
• Entered service at: Manawa, Wis.
• G.O. No.: 60, 2 August 1951.
Citation: M/Sgt. Handrich, Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. His company was engaged in repulsing an estimated 150 enemy who were threatening to overrun its position. Near midnight on 25 August, a hostile group over 100 strong attempted to infiltrate the company perimeter. M/Sgt. Handrich, despite the heavy enemy fire, voluntarily left the comparative safety of the defensive area and moved to a forward position where he could direct mortar and artillery fire upon the advancing enemy. He remained at this post for 8 hours directing fire against the enemy who often approached to within 50 feet of his position. Again, on the morning of 26 August, another strong hostile force made an attempt to overrun the company's position. With complete disregard for his safety, M/Sgt. Handrich rose to his feet and from this exposed position fired his rifle and directed mortar and artillery fire on the attackers. At the peak of this action he observed elements of his company preparing to withdraw. He perilously made his way across fire-swept terrain to the defense area where, by example and forceful leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. During the action M/Sgt. Handrich was severely wounded. Refusing to take cover or be evacuated, he returned to his forward position and continued to direct the company's fire. Later a determined enemy attack overran M/Sgt. Handrich's position and he was mortally wounded. When the position was retaken, over 70 enemy dead were counted in the area he had so intrepidly defended. M/Sgt. Handrich's sustained personal bravery, consummate courage, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect untold glory upon himself and the heroic traditions of the military service.
Armed Service: Army
|
Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.