Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Edward Charles Krzyzowski

Details
  • Rank: Captain
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment,
    2d Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: August 31, 1951
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Tondul, Korea
Citation
Capt. Krzyzowski, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy as commanding officer of Company B. Spearheading an assault against strongly defended Hill 700, his company came under vicious crossfire and grenade attack from enemy bunkers. Creeping up the fire-swept hill, he personally eliminated one bunker with his grenades and wiped out a second with carbine fire. Forced to retire to more tenable positions for the night, the company, led by Capt. Krzyzowski, resumed the attack the following day, gaining several hundred yards and inflicting numerous casualties. Overwhelmed by the numerically superior hostile force, he ordered his men to evacuate the wounded and move back. Providing protective fire for their safe withdrawal, he was wounded again by grenade fragments, but refused evacuation and continued to direct the defense. On 3 September, he led his valiant unit in another assault which overran several hostile positions, but again the company was pinned down by murderous fire. Courageously advancing alone to an open knoll to plot mortar concentrations against the hill, he was killed instantly by an enemy sniper's fire. Capt. Krzyzowski's consummate fortitude, heroic leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice, so clearly demonstrated throughout three days of bitter combat, reflect the highest credit and lasting glory on himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Cicero, Cook County, Illinois
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 26, 1952
    The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of the Army Frank C. Pace to his Widow Mrs. Marcella Krzyzowski
  • Born: January 16, 1914, Chicago, Cook County, IL, United States
  • Died: September 3, 1951, Korea
  • Buried: Resurrection Cemetery (MH) (51-1282) , Justice, IL, United States
 

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