Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Korean War - U.S. Army
William S Sitman
Details
- Rank: Sergeant First Class
- Conflict/Era: Korean War
- 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.
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