Army Reporter information
for 25 INF DIV

For date 670312


25 INF DIV was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
South Vietnam
Location, Long Binh
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled "Wounded, Lt directs battle" dated 27 Jan 1969. The Medal of Honor (posthumous) was recently awarded to LT Stephen Karopezye, 25th Inf Div, in ceremonies in the office of the Secretary of the Army. Karopezye was serving as platoon leader of the 3rd Platoon, A/2/35th Inf. On March 12, 1967, Karopeze 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 encourage their advance, and he guided their attack by marking enemy locations with bursts of fire from his own weapon. His leadership quickened the advance, forced the enemy to retreat, an 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 organize a defensive platoon in and around some abandoned bunkers where he conducted a defense against the increasingly strong enemy attacks. After several hours, an NVA soldiers hurled a hand grenade to within a few feet of Karopezye and two 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 his legs, but his action prevented further injury of the two other wounded men. Severely weakened by his multiple wounds, he continued to direct the actions of his men until he succumbed some hours later. Karpezye entered the Army on Nov. 29, 1965 at Ft. Benning, Ga.
Comments: LT Karopezye, Stephen; MOH Recipient; ;

The source for this information was 6901AR.AVN supplied by Les Hines


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Date posted on this site: 05/13/2023