Edward C. Krzyzowski

Led repeated assaults while wounded on Hill 700

Edward Charles Krzyzowski was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 16 January 1914. During the Korean War he commanded Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, as a U.S. Army captain.

Near Tondul, his company attacked the strongly defended Hill 700. Krzyzowski moved through crossfire and grenade attacks to destroy two enemy bunkers. When further advances met superior enemy numbers, he ordered the wounded evacuated and covered his soldiers' withdrawal. Wounded by grenade fragments, he refused evacuation and continued directing the defense.

On 3 September 1951 he led another assault, then advanced alone to an exposed knoll to direct mortar fire. An enemy sniper killed him there. His repeated attacks and protection of his withdrawing troops earned the Medal of Honor posthumously.

His widow, Marcella, received the medal at the Pentagon on 26 March 1952. Krzyzowski is buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois. His citation preserves the record of a company commander who remained with his soldiers through three days of bitter fighting.

Medal of Honor citation

Capt. Krzyzowski, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy as commanding officer of Company B. Spearheading an assault against strongly defended Hill 700, his company came under vicious crossfire and grenade attack from enemy bunkers. Creeping up the fire-swept hill, he personally eliminated one bunker with his grenades and wiped out a second with carbine fire. Forced to retire to more tenable positions for the night, the company, led by Capt. Krzyzowski, resumed the attack the following day, gaining several hundred yards and inflicting numerous casualties. Overwhelmed by the numerically superior hostile force, he ordered his men to evacuate the wounded and move back. Providing protective fire for their safe withdrawal, he was wounded again by grenade fragments, but refused evacuation and continued to direct the defense. On 3 September, he led his valiant unit in another assault which overran several hostile positions, but again the company was pinned down by murderous fire. Courageously advancing alone to an open knoll to plot mortar concentrations against the hill, he was killed instantly by an enemy sniper's fire. Capt. Krzyzowski's consummate fortitude, heroic leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice, so clearly demonstrated throughout three days of bitter combat, reflect the highest credit and lasting glory on himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.