1LT Stanley Dankowski

Back to Soldier Gallery

Co. K 1953, Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, Killed in action 7/6/1953

Article:

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Stanley Raymond Dankowski (01925162), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Dankowski distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Honu-Chon, Korea, on 6 July 1953. Early on the morning of 6 July 1953, Lieutenant Dankowski was leading an assault platoon participating in an attack on an enemy-held hill. As the platoon began its advance up the second slope of the hill, it was subjected to a heavy concentration of fire from enemy automatic rifles. Lieutenant Dankowski moved up and down the skirmish line, encouraging his men, urging them forward, and instilling them with an aggressive spirit that carried them successfully through this phase of the attack. Mid-way up the third and final slope of the hill, the platoon was again met by a barrage from enemy machine guns and supporting automatic rifles. Ordering his men to cover his advance, Lieutenant Dankowski without regard to his personal peril, moved directly into the enemy fire, climbed to the roof of a large bunker from which fire was coming and hurled hand grenades into the aperture. His courageous action neutralized the position and enabled his men to advance. When last seen, Lieutenant Dankowski had been critically wounded by artillery fire while firing on other enemy positions with his carbine. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Dankowski on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service. Entered the Federal service from New Jersey. General Orders Nol. 830 – 9 September 1953

©1999-2025 El Pozo Productions