Master Sergeant Melvin O. Handrich of the U.S. Army, born in Manawa, Wisconsin on January 26, 1919, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty during battle near Sobuk San Mountain, Korea, on August 25–26, 1950. Near midnight on August 25, 1950, when the enemy attempted to infiltrate his company's perimeter, he left the safety of his position under heavy fire and moved forward to direct artillery fire against the enemy. At the peak of the action, seeing his company preparing to withdraw, he crossed fire-swept terrain to reorganize the men and continue the fight. Although severely wounded, he refused evacuation and continued directing artillery fire until his position was overrun and he was mortally wounded. His bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice reflected glory upon himself and the heroic tradition of military service.