*HANDRICH, MELVIN O.
Rank/Organization:
Master Sergeant, Company C, 5th Regimental Combat Team
M/Sgt. Handrich, Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in
action. 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. M/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 8 hours directing fire against the enemy who often approached to
within 50 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 safety, M/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 and forceful
leadership, he reorganized the men to continue the fight. During the
action M/Sgt. Handrich was severely wounded. Refusing to take cover
or be evacuated, he returned to his forward position and continued
to direct the company's fire. Later a determined enemy attack
overran M/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. M/Sgt. Handrich's sustained
personal bravery, consummate courage, and gallant self-sacrifice
reflect untold glory upon himself and the heroic traditions of the
military service.
Compiler: Merry Helm, Association Historian
Link: Melvin O. Handrich - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia