Medal of Honor: Melvin O. Handrich, Korean War, August 25–26, 1950

Name: Melvin O. Handrich
War: Korean War
Date of Action: August 25–26, 1950

Summary of Action

Master Sergeant Melvin O. Handrich of Manawa, Wisconsin, served with Company C, 5th Infantry Regiment, during one of the darkest hours of the Korean War. In late August 1950, United Nations forces were desperately clinging to the Pusan Perimeter, battling relentless enemy assaults designed to drive them into the sea. Near Sobuk San Mountain, Handrich’s company faced overwhelming odds as an enemy force of nearly 150 men attempted to overrun their position.

On the night of August 25th, enemy forces launched a fierce infiltration attempt. Despite the chaos and withering fire, Handrich voluntarily left the relative safety of the defensive perimeter and moved to an exposed forward position where he could more effectively direct mortar and artillery fire. For eight long hours he remained at that post, calling down devastating fire even as enemy soldiers crept to within 50 feet of his position.

The following morning, the enemy launched another massive assault. Handrich rose from cover, firing his rifle while once again directing artillery, inspiring his men to fight on despite their exhaustion and fear. Spotting troops preparing to withdraw under the immense pressure, he sprinted across fire-swept ground, reorganized the defense by sheer force of will, and urged his men to stand firm.

Severely wounded, he refused evacuation, instead crawling back to his exposed forward position where he continued to control the company’s fire until a final assault overran his location. Handrich was mortally wounded, but his stand bought his company precious time. When friendly forces retook the ground, over 70 enemy dead were found around his position, a testament to his refusal to abandon the fight.

Master Sergeant Handrich’s sacrifice not only saved his company but also contributed to holding the Pusan Perimeter during one of the Korean War’s most critical moments.

Medal of Honor Citation

Master Sergeant 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.