Korean War hero finally gets the honor he deserves

[douglas9]

President Barack Obama, speaking from the East Room on Monday, will undoubtedly read of the inspiring and frightening last few minutes of Army Pfc. Henry Svehla's life.

Svehla, all of 19 years old, already wounded and leading a faltering platoon under withering fire on a hard-fought hill in Korea, gave his life by throwing himself on a grenade that landed near him and some of his buddies.

"Such courage and sacrifice is never found among normal men, and such deeds live forever," his platoon leader wrote to his family after his death.

Obama, having decided to upgrade Svehla's award based on a new look at his actions 59 years ago, will award the Medal of Honor to the young private, who was killed June 12, 1952.

http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/04/30/3040071/korean-war-hero-finally-gets-the.html

[Lasher]

1. Private First Class (E-3) Svehala was not the Platoon Leader.

And so it is not correct to say he was "...leading a faltering platoon...". He was serving as a Rifleman, and would have been one of four or five soldiers in a Fireteam, probably led by a Sergeant (E-5).

There are two Fireteams in a Squad, which is led by a Staff Sergeant (E-6). There are three Squads in a Platoon, which is led by a Second or First Lieutenant (O-1 and O-2, respectively), assisted by a Sergeant First Class (E-7).

Despite sloppy reporting by the Star-Telegram, I'm glad to see PFC Svehla and PFC Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano finally being recognized with the Medal of Honor for their bravery and ultimate sacrifices. Thanks for sharing.