Pfc. Henry Svehla distinguished himself June 12, 1952, near Pyongony, Korea, while serving as a rifleman with Company F, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. During intense enemy automatic weapons and small fire, Svehla leapt to his feet and charged the enemy positions, firing his weapon and throwing grenades as he advanced. He inflicted heavy casualties.
Fragments from a mortar round exploding nearby wounded Svehla seriously in the face. Despite his wounds, he refused medical treatment and continued to lead the attack. He was mortally wounded when an enemy grenade landed near him.
Army history:
Pfc. Henry Svehla [SUH vay luh]
- Killed In Action June 12, 1952 in Pyongony, Korea
- Age: 20 years, 7 months
- Unit: Company F, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division
- Years of Service: Enlisted with the U.S. Army in Nov. of 1951
- Awards: Purple Heart (posthumously), Army Good Conduct Medal (posthumously), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Korea-Presidential Unit Citation.
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