He moved among his men to embolden their advance, and he guided their attack by marking enemy locations with bursts of fire from his own weapon.

A shot from an enemy sniper struck him above the heart but he refused aid for this serious injury, plugging the bleeding wound with his finger until it could be properly dressed.

After several hours, a North Vietnamese soldier hurled a hand grenade to within a few feet of First Lieutenant Karopczyc and two other wounded men.

First Lieutenant Karopczyc's heroic leadership, unyielding perseverance, and selfless devotion to his men were directly responsible for the successful and spirited action of his platoon throughout the battle and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

A sundial memorial to Lt. Karopczyc stands in the Peace Garden, outside Sodality Chapel at Spring Hill College.