Brandon Twp.- Donald Kengerski says he’s no hero’but accounts of his action more than 50 years ago during a battle for a small piece of Korean real estate describes a stoic effort in combat.
A Minnesota native, Kengerski moved to Centerline, Mich. in 1948. He entered the U.S. Army in March 1951 and reported to Ft. Bragg, N.C. for basic training. He was then transported to Camp Stoneman, Cailf. then via ship to Japan then to Inchon, Korea.
At 21 years old Pvt. Kengerski served as a machine-gunner in M-Company, 32nd infantry regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
While the exact dates are sketchy, during May 1952, Kengerski along with M Company were in full retreat after a failed attack over an enemy occupied hill.
‘During the withdrawal I heard a cry for help,? said Kengerski. ‘I ran to where I heard the crying coming from and there found a Lt. Green of Company L badly wounded and unable to move. Under heavy fire, I dragged Green some distance toward our forces until a couple of other soldiers helped me get the lieutenant to a medic.
‘I remember not being able to straighten up after I stopped running. I never even gave it a thought about being killed.?
Kengerski says he never spoke with or knew the condition of Lt. Green after the rescue.
Following the battle Kengerski was recommended for, but never received the Silver Star, the nations third highest award for gallantry and sacrifice in armed combat.
He participated in several more skirmishes with the Chinese and was wounded during a conflict in August 1952.
‘The mortar went off right behind me,? said Kengerski. ‘I had such a ringing in my ear’the explosion took my helmet off and knocked me over. They took me to a field hospital where I stayed for about a month or maybe a little more.?
After recovering from his injuries which included wounds from 38 pieces of shrapnel, Kengerski returned to combat.
Later in 1952 Kengerski returned to the United States and was stationed at Camp Roberts, Calif., then Ft. Lewis, Washington before his discharge on March 5, 1954.
He married Margaret Weingart in 1956 and they moved to Brandon Township in 1973. They have five children, Mary, Barbara, Diane, Michael and Edward all graduates of Brandon High School.
While Kengerski was awarded several medals including the Purple Heart for his wounds in battle, he never received the Silver Star despite the recommendation.
In 2004, Kengerski along with the assistance of Lee Stewart, Ortonville V.F.W. Post 582 quartermaster contacted Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) regarding the award of the Silver Star.
‘The discharge papers indicated Kengerski was awarded the Silver Star as part of the 45th Infantry Division’he was part of the 7th Infantry,? said Stewart. ‘The Army figured he already received the award, when he didn’t.?
So, during a Memorial Day service, May 30, 2005 exactly 52 years to the day of the battle, Kengerski received the long overdue Silver Star in a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park of Detroit.
‘Fifty years have gone by,? smiles Kengerski. ‘I’m excited to receive the medal but I’m no hero. It’s better late than never.
‘I lost some good friends, I got home and they never did. That’s what I think about everyday.?