MOH CITATION - MSGT MELVIN O. HANDRICH

Manawa Soldier Named For Highest Decoration

 Sgt. Handrich, Killed in Korea, Is Awarded
Medal of Honor for Outstanding Heroism
Press-Gazette Washington Bureau

   WASHINGTON MSgt. Melvin O. Handrich, an Army infantryman from Manawa, Waupaca county, Wisconsin, has won the Medal of Honor, for "outstanding heroism at the sacrifice of his life during a night and day of fierce fighting" in Korea last August.
   The sergeant's father, Walter Handrich, Manawa, route 1, will receive the medal from Gen. Omar Bradley, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, in a Pentagon ceremony Thursday. Also present will be the soldier's mother, Mrs. Meta Handrich: a sister. Shirley of Manawa; and brother Alfred Other brothers are Everett of Manawa; Garrett of Scandinavia, Wis.; and Gunner's Mate 2c Russell W. Handrich, serving aboard the LST 1083 with the Pacific fleet.
   Sgt. Handrich, 31, a member of Company C, Fifth infantry regiment, earned the nation's highest military recognition for his heroism in fighting near Sobuk San mountain Aug. 25-28.
   During a determined night attack by the North Koreans, he voluntarily moved to an exposed forward position to direct mortar and artillery fire. He continued to fire at the enemy the next day until he was fatally wounded and his position was overrun. When the ground was re taken, 71 Communist dead were counted there.
World War II Vet
   The Korean war was the second in the short life of Sgt. Handrich. Entering the Army in August, 1942, he took part in the Aleutian campaign and participated in the invasion of Kiska. After parachute training lie saw action in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge.
   He won the Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, and the Combat Infantryman badge. He was discharged from the Army in September, 1945, rejoined the Army Jan. 6, 1949, at Appleton, and was sent to the Far East command in arch 1949.
  Following is the citation for his medal of honor, the twenty-second awarded in the Korean war:
   "Sgt. Handrich, Company C, Fifth Infantry regiment, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action on 25 and 26 August 1950, near Sobuk-san mountain, Korea. 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. 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 eight hours directing fire against the enemy who often approached to within fifty 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 own safety, 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 ad forceful leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. During the action Sgt Handrich severely wounded. Refusing to, take cover or be evacuated, he returned to his forward position and continued to direct the company's lire. Later a determined enemy attack overran 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. Sgt. Handrich'a. sustained personal bravery, consummate courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect untold glory on himself and the heroic traditions! of the military service."
   Sgt. Handrich was Wisconsin's, second medal of honor winner in the Korean war. The first was Cpl Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr., a Winnebago Indian from Friendship who was killed last November. Sat. Handrich 's body is en route to Manawa, informed. the family has been informed/

[Green Bay Press-Gazette, Green Bay, WI, 18 Jun 1951, Mon, Pages 1 & 12].

Died Killing 71 Reds WASHINGTON, June 17 (AP)---. An Army Sergeant who fought off Red soldiers for eight hours -so he could continue directing artillery fire has been awarded the Medal of Honor, highest decoration of the government.
   Master Sergeant Melvin Handrich of Manawa, Wis., finally was killed in that battle near Sobuk San Mountain, Korea, last August, but when he died the bodies of 71 Communist soldiers lay before the place he had defended. Even before the enemy finally killed him the Sergeant was wounded gravely, but fought on.
   Handrich, 31 years old. was a member of C Company, Fifth Infantry Regiment, in the Korean battle. But he had seen much combat before that war. He enlisted in-1942, was in the recapture of Kiska, in the :Aleutians, then, after parachute training. fought in Italy, France, Belgium and Germany. He left the Army in 1946, but  rejoined earlyin 1946

[St. Louis Globe-Democrat, St. Louis, MO, 18 Jun 1951, Mon, Page 1]

   Milwaukee — (AP) — Mr. and Mrs. Walter Handrich of Manawa Wis. and their two children are on their way to the nation’s capital to receive the congressional medal of honor won by the late Master Sgt Melvin Handrich
  "We think it is very nice that the army is doing this for us” said Mrs. Handrich as the family stopped here a few hours between trains .
   Gen Omar Bradley chairman of the joint chiefs of staff will give the medal to the parents in a Pentagon ceremony Thursday. Also present will be two of the Handrich children. Shirley 18 and Alfred 18.
   Sergeant Handrich was killed after he fought off Red soldiers for eight hours so he could continue directing artillery fire to protect his company C position somewhere in Korea last August. He also was a World War two veteran with 36 months European service.

[Kenosha Evening News, Kenosha, WI, 20 Jun 1951, Wed • Page 8]

[Marshfield News-Herald, Marshfield, WI, 22 Jun 1951, Fri, Page 9]