KAROPCZYC, STEPHEN EDWARD
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam
KAROPCZYC, STEPHEN EDWARD
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company A, 2nd Battalion,
35th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division
Place: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam
Date: 12 March 1967
Entered service at: Bethpage, New York
Born: 5 March 1944, New York, New York
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty.
While leading the 3rd Platoon, Company A, on a flanking maneuver against a superior enemy force, 1st Lt. Karopczyc observed that his lead element was engaged with a small enemy unit along his route. Aware of the importance of quickly pushing through to the main enemy force in order to provide relief for a hard pressed friendly platoon, he dashed through the intense enemy fire into the open and hurled colored smoke grenades to designate the foe for attack by helicopter gunships. He moved among his men to embolden their advance, and he guided their attack by marking enemy locations with bursts of fire from his own weapon. His forceful leadership quickened the advance, forced the enemy to retreat, and allowed his unit to close with the main hostile force. Continuing the deployment of his platoon, he constantly exposed himself as he ran from man to man to give encouragement and to direct their efforts. A shot from an enemy sniper struck him above the heart but he refused aid for this serious injury, plugging the bleeding wound with his finger until it could be properly dressed. As the enemy strength mounted, he ordered his men to organize a defensive position in and around some abandoned bunkers where he conducted a defense against the increasingly strong enemy attacks. After several hours, a North Vietnamese soldier hurled a hand grenade to within a few feet of 1st Lt. Karopczyc and 2 other wounded men. Although his position protected him, he leaped up to cover the deadly grenade with a steel helmet. It exploded to drive fragments into 1st Lt. Karopczyc's legs, but his action prevented further injury to the 2 wounded men. Severely weakened by his multiple wounds, he continued to direct the actions of his men until he succumbed 2 hours later. 1st Lt. Karopczyc's heroic leadership, unyielding perseverance, and selfless devotion to his men were directly responsible for the successful and spirited action of his platoon throughout the battle and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
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--- General / Personal ---
Last name: KAROPCZYC
First name: STEPHEN EDWARD
Home of Record (official): BETHPAGE
State (official): NY
Date of Birth: Sunday, March 5, 1944
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single
--- Military ---
Branch: Army
Rank: 1LT
Serial Number: O5328049
Component: Reserve
Pay grade: O2
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 1541
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Unknown/Not reported
Date of Casualty: Sunday, March 12, 1967
Age at time of loss: 23
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Unknown/Not Reported
The Wall: Panel 16E - Row 069
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