Unit/Command: Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division
Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Action Date: February 14, 1951
Medal of Honor Action Place: near Chipyong-ni, Korea
Citation
Sfc. Sitman distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. Sfc. Sitman, a machine-gun section leader of Company M, was attached to Company I, under attack by a numerically superior hostile force. During the encounter when an enemy grenade knocked out his machine gun, a squad from Company I immediately emplaced a light machine gun, and Sfc. Sitman and his men remained to provide security for the crew. In the ensuing action, the enemy lobbed a grenade into the position and Sfc. Sitman, fully aware of the odds against him, selflessly threw himself on it, absorbing the full force of the explosion with his body. Although mortally wounded in this fearless display of valor, his intrepid act saved five men from death or serious injury, and enabled them to continue inflicting withering fire on the ruthless foe throughout the attack. Sfc. Sitman's noble self-sacrifice and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.
Medal of Honor Recipient William S. Sitman
Additional Details
Accredited to: Bellwood, Blair County, Pennsylvania
Awarded Posthumously: Yes
Presentation Date & Details: January 16, 1952 The Pentagon, presented by Sec. of Defense Robert Lovett to his Widow
Born: August 9, 1923, Bellwood, Blair County, PA, United States
Died: February 14, 1951, Chipyong-ni, Korea
Buried: Logan Valley Cemetery (MH) (10-9), Bellwood, PA, United States