Manawa in Waupaca County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Melvin O. Handrich
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Photographed By Keith L, August 15, 2008
1. Melvin O. Handrich Marker
Master Sergeant Melvin O. Handrich of the U.S. Army was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courageous action in battle near Sobuk San Mountain, Korea on August 25–26, 1950.
Handrich was born in Manawa, Wisconsin on January 26, 1919 and received the country's highest military award for his conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in battle.
Near midnight on August 25, 1950 the enemy attempted to infiltrate Handrich's company's perimeter. Despite heavy enemy fire, he left the safety of his position and moved forward to direct artillery fire against the enemy. At the peak of the action, he observed his company preparing to withdraw. He made his way across the fire-swept terrain to reorganize the men to continue the fight. Despite being severely wounded, Handrich refused to be evacuated and continued to direct artillery fire. His position was eventually overrun and he was mortally wounded.
Master Sergeant Melvin O. Handrich's bravery, courage and self-sacrifice reflect glory upon himself and the heroic tradition of the military service.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Korean. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1898.
Location. 44° 27.716′ N, 88° 55.239′ W. Marker is in Manawa, Wisconsin, in Waupaca County. Marker is on Depot Street (State Highway 22/110) south of South Bridge Street (County Highway B), on the right when traveling north. Marker is in Triangle Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manawa WI 54949, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.7 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.6 miles away); Stone Puller (approx. 10.1 miles away); New London Fairground (approx. 10.2 miles away); Birthplace of the American Water Spaniel (approx. 10.4 miles away); Slaughter House Ski Hill (approx. 10˝ miles away); Birthplace of the Iola Old Car Show (approx. 10.6 miles away); Chief Waupaca (approx. 10.7 miles away).
Photographed By Keith L, August 15, 2008
2. Melvin O. Handrich Marker
Photographed By Keith L, August 15, 2008
3. Nearby Bronc Buster Statue
Photographed By Keith L, August 15, 2008
4. Bronc Buster Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 26, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
