The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

William V. Wuorinen, a life-long resident of Naselle, will be awarded the Silver Star by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera-Beutler on January 30, 1:30 p.m., in the Naselle school gymnasium.

The award is being presented to Mr. Wuorinen for his action on March 16, 1953 in Korea, said Nick Nikkila, of the Deep River American Legion.

During the battle for Little Gibraltar Hill, Wuorinen and another private dragged a severely wounded colonel into a trench and, working as a team, stood off an advancing force of Chinese soldiers while giving life-saving first aid to the colonel, Nikkila reported. After the two privates battled overwhelming odds for two hours, more American soldiers arrived on the scene. By then, Wuorinen and Private Stanley had killed eight of the enemy and stabilized the colonel's injuries.

The colonel and Stanley were each awarded the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross.

Wuorinen was overlooked because the colonel believed him to be a medic due to the effective field treatment he had received from him, Nikkila said.

"This battle was no stroll in the park," Nikkila said. "Of the 160 soldiers in Mr. Wuorinen's unit, 145 were either killed or wounded."

A group consisting of Naselle High School students, American Legion Post 0111, Retired Colonel Gil Blue--Wuorinen's platoon commander during the battle, Dr. Jerome Pionk at the Pentagon, and the offices of Congresswoman Jaime Herrera-Beutler and Senator Patty Murray, have been working for over a year and a half in an effort for Wuorinen to receive this award and recognition. The Silver Star is the third highest military combat award, surpassed only by the Distinguished Service Cross and its counterparts, and the Medal of Honor.

Members of the public are invited to attend the award ceremony.