Henry Svehla

Henry Svehla (Oct. 28, 1932 – June 12, 1952) was a United States Army soldier who on May 2nd 2011 was posthumously awarded the United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Korean War. Previously he had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

By June 12, 1952, Svehla was a private first class serving in Korea as a rifleman with Company F, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7^th Infantry Division. On that day, his platoon came under heavy fire and he charged forward to attack the enemy. When a grenade landed amidst his group, he smothered the blast with his body in order to protect those around him. He was killed in the explosion.[1] His remains have never been recovered.

For these actions, Svehla was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama on May 2 during a White House ceremony. His sisters Dorothy Mathews and Sylvia Svehla accepted the medal on his behalf. Also receiving a Medal of Honor at the ceremony was the family of Private First Class Anthony T. Kahoʻohanohano, a fellow 7th Infantry Division soldier killed in the Korean War.

Essex, New Jersey

Born Oct 28, 1932

Private First Class, U.S. Army
Service Number 21748254
Killed in Action
Died June 12, 1952 in Korea

U.S. Army Pfc. Henry Svehla received the Medal of Honor in 2011. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is generally presented to its recipient by the president of the United States of America in the name of Congress.

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Henry Svehla (ASN: RA-21748254), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.

Private First Class Svehla distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Pyongony, Korea, on 12 June 1952.

Committed to determine enemy strength and capabilities on key terrain, Private Svehla’s platoon forged up the rocky slope. Coming under heavy automatic-weapons and small-arms fire, the troops began to falter.

Realizing the success of the mission was imperiled, Private Svehla charge forward, firing his weapon and throwing grenades. The men, rallying to the challenge, joined in the assault against a numerically superior foe and inflicted numerous casualties.

Although wounded by a mortar burst, Private Svehla refused medical treatment and continued to lead the attack. During the ensuing conflict, an enemy grenade fell in the midst of the group.