SERGEANT HUBERT P. FLERCHINGER, Infantry, U.S. Army, Compant B, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy near Wanjong-dong, Korea, on 10 September and 11 September 1950. While his unit was defending a hill position it came under, and was pinned down by, intense enemy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire. In the ensuing action Sergeant Flerchinger moved about in the heavy enemy fire to successfully direct the defense of his platoon for more than six hours at which time the numerically superior enemy forced them to withdraw. Withdrawing to the base of the hill Sergeant Flerchinger immediately reorganized his forces and personally led them in a fierce counterattack which regained the summit despite bitter enemy resistance. While reestablishing a defense line in this position his unit was fired upon by a nest of enemy snipers which caused several casualties. Armed with only two hand grenades, Sergeant Flerchinger crawled forward to their position in an effort to destroy it. Finding ten enemy soldiers occupying the fox-hole, he engaged them, killing two and wounding three with his hand grenades and forcing four to flee. Grappling with the last remaining enemy in hand to hand combat, Sergeant Flerchinger lifted his opponent above his head, holding him in this position until he was shot by another soldier. Although severely mauled in the action Sergeant Flerchinger refused to be evacuated and remaining with his men effectively directed the successful defense of his regained position. Sergeant Flerchinger’s fearless courage, inspiring aggressiveness, and superb leadership was responsible for inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy and turned a possible defeat into victory. His extraordinary heroism reflects great credit on himself and the military service.

MSG Flerchinger is a life member and resides in Washington State.