About Henry Svehla
Lived 1932 – 1952 (aged 19). Henry Svehla was an American military personnel.
Henry Svehla (October 30, 1932 – June 12, 1952) was a United States Army soldier. On May 2, 2011, Svehla was posthumously awarded the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Korean War. Previously he had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Svehla joined the Army in 1951. By June 12, 1952, Svehla was a private first class serving in Korea as a rifleman with Company F, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. On that day, his platoon came under heavy fire and he charged forward to attack the enemy. When a grenade landed amidst his group, he smothered the blast with his body in order to protect those around him. He was killed in the explosion.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Henry Svehla?
United States Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient
When was Henry Svehla born?
Henry Svehla was born on 30 October 1932 in Newark.
When did Henry Svehla die?
Henry Svehla died on 12 June 1952 in Korea.
What was Henry Svehla's occupation?
Henry Svehla was a military personnel.
What nationality was Henry Svehla?
Henry Svehla was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Henry Svehla. https://biography.guide/henry-svehla/
MLA: "Henry Svehla." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/henry-svehla/.
Chicago: "Henry Svehla." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/henry-svehla/.
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