Korean War Soldiers Receive ‘Hall of Heroes’ Induction

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011 – The nation’s two most recent Medal of Honor recipients were added to the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes roster today in what Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said is a tribute to their enduring valor.

The Hall of Heroes induction followed yesterday’s White House ceremony in which President Barack Obama presented the nation’s highest military honor posthumously to Anthony T. Kaho’ohanohano and Henry Svehla, both Army privates 1st class when they were killed in action in the Korean War.

Kaho’ohanohano was honored for his actions of Sept. 1, 1951 when he led a machine-gun squadron with the 7th Infantry Division’s 17th Infantry Regiment, Company H.

“Kaho’ohanohano will always be remembered for the lone assault that saved his comrades, and then inspired their counter attack,” Lynn told the gathering of families, friends and dignitaries. “His last words -- reportedly, ‘I’ve got your back,’ -- are a creed our soldiers carry with them today whenever they go in harm’s way.”

Svehla’s medal was for his actions of June 12, 1952 when he served in Korea as a rifleman with the 7th Infantry Division’s 32d Infantry Regiment, Company F.

“Svehla, similarly, put the security of his fellow troops above his own life,” Lynn said. “His courageous counter attack after being fired upon during a reconnaissance mission saved his unit from defeat. And throwing himself on a grenade, he gave the last full measure of his devotion to his men, and to the country he swore to defend.”

With their names now inscribed on a wall, the legacies of Kaho’ohanohano and Svehla are enshrined in the Hall of Heroes, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said.

“The courage, resilience and tenacity of Anthony and Henry and those they fought alongside and protected every day in one of our more difficult wars, contributed immeasurably to our unmatched legacy as an army, as a force that stands against tyranny, protects the weak, and champions freedom,” Dempsey said.

Army Undersecretary Joseph Westphal said the soldiers’ actions continue to make contributions today.

“The actions of Kaho’ohanohano and Svehla,” he said, “are a timeless inspiration for soldiers who are, once again, fighting America’s enemies in faraway places, and under very challenging conditions.”

Dempsey presented Hall of Heroes induction plaques to family members Eugene

Kaho'ohanohano and Sylvia Svehla at the end of the induction ceremony.

Korean War Actions Earn Medals of Honor

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2011 – President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to two soldiers for conspicuous gallantry nearly 60 years ago during the Korean War, White House officials announced today.

Officials said Army Pfcs. Anthony T. Kaho’ohanohano and Henry Svehlawill will receive the nation’s highest award for valor in combat posthumously in a May 2 White House ceremony.

On Sept. 1, 1951, Kaho’ohanohano was in charge of a machine-gun squad with Company H, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. When faced by an enemy with overwhelming numbers, he ordered his squad to take up more defensible positions and provide covering fire for the withdrawing friendly force.

He then gathered a supply of grenades and ammunition and returned to his original position to face the enemy alone - delivering deadly accurate fire into the ranks of the onrushing enemy. When his ammunition was depleted, he engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed.

His stand inspired his comrades to launch a counterattack that completely repulsed the enemy, a White House statement said.

Kaho’ohanohano's sister, Elaine Kaho’ohanohano, and brother, Eugene Kaho’ohanohano, will join the president at the Medal of Honor ceremony.

Svehla was a rifleman with Company F, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. On June 12, 1952, his platoon came under heavy fire. With his platoon’s attack beginning to falter, Svehla charged the enemy positions, firing his weapon and throwing grenades as he advanced. Disregarding his own safety, he destroyed enemy positions and inflicted heavy casualties. He died when he threw himself on an enemy grenade that landed among a group of his comrades.

His sisters, Dorothy Mathews and Sylvia Svehla, will join Obama at the ceremony.