William Roy Pohlman
Private First Class, U.S. Army

In February 1953, Private First Class William Roy Pohlman was serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in Korea.

On 7 February, PFC Pohlman's unit was engaged with enemy forces in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, North Korea. PFC Pohlman was an element leader of the left element of a combat patrol that had maneuvered into assault positions and opened fire on enemy emplacements. When an enemy machine-gunner directed accurate fire into his section of the group, delaying its advance, PFC Pohlman climbed to the top of a small mound and single-handedly destroyed the crew with his machine-gun. PFC Pohlman held his position in the face of intense counter-fire and succeeded in diverting hostile fire from the rest of the patrol, enabling them to effectively organize and move in to engage the enemy. PFC Pohlman continued his courageous stand until he was fatally wounded. His heroism so inspired his comrades that they were able to completely secure the left flank of the position. These actions earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class William R. Pohlman (ASN: RA-17318035), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Private First Class Pohlman distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea, on 7 February 1953. On that date, Private Pohlman was an element leader of the left element of a combat patrol which had maneuvered into assault positions and opened fire on enemy emplacements. When an enemy machine-gunner directed accurate fire into his section of the group, delaying its advance, Private Pohlman climbed to the top of a small mound and single-handedly destroyed the crew with his machine-gun. Disregarding all thoughts of personal safety, Private Pohlman held his position in the face of intense counter-fire and succeeded in diverting hostile fire from the rest of the patrol, enabling them to effectively organize and move in to engage the enemy. Private Pohlman continued his courageous stand until he was fatally wounded. His heroism so inspired his comrades that they were able to completely secure the left flank of the position.

General Orders: Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 592 (June 23, 1953)

Burial

Private First Class William Roy Pohlman is buried at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Cemetery in Quincy, Adams County, IL.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=119371427