Melvin Oscar Handrich
from Manawa,Wisconsin,USA
Sergeant (36258213)
1 Company 2 Regiment
born 26.1.1919 Manawa,Wisconsin
graduated high school
semiskilled inspector in civilian life
enlisted 19.8.1942 Milwaukee,Wisconsin
award Purple Heart with 2 oak leaf clusters
discharged September 1945
re-enlisted January 1949
5 Infantry Regiment (Company C) (1 Cavalry Division) (Master Sgt) 1950
KIA near Sobuk-san Mountain,South Korea
awarded Medal of Honor (posthumously)
Little Wolf Cemetery,Manawa,Waupaca County,Wisconsin Lot 141 Space 8
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Melvin Oscar Handrich (ASN: 36258213; United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 5th Infantry Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Sobuk San Mountain, Korea, on 25 and 16 August 1950. Master Sergeant Handrich's 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. Master Sergeant 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 eight 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, Master Sergeant 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
