Not to denigrate his service, but his awards were for other action besides the Chosin Reservoir. Action dates: 7 and 18 Aug 50.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Commander (CC) Otto E. Sporrer (NSN: 0-215778), United States Navy, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving as Chaplain, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action in the Yongsan area of the Naktong River, Korea, on 18 August 1950. On this date, Lieutenant Commander Sporrer, in his capacity as Catholic Chaplain visited the forward aid station of the Fifth Marines, then in attack on enemy positions of the ridges west of the Naktong River. Learning that a number of wounded were on the ridges awaiting evacuation, Lieutenant Commander Sporrer organized a litter bearing team of Korean Civilians, and, showing a high degree of courage and skill, led them through heavy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. By his leadership and example, Lieutenant Commander Sporrer encouraged the litter team to continue even after they had been pinned down by enemy fire. He then succeeded in evacuating a number of seriously wounded to the aid station. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Commander Sporrer reflects great credit on himself and the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Headquarters, VIII U.S. Army, Korea (EUSAK), General Orders No. 162 (November 8, 1950) Action Date: August 18, 1950 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Commander Company: Chaplain Battalion: 1st Battalion Regiment: 11th Marines, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
His Chosin service was a topic discussed at a 50 year reunion of a 1940's era HS class and the point there was his Chosin action ... It was there said that he removed his chaplain insignia (and non-combatant status) and took on a combat command status - saving many American lives
The story was probably "cleansed" ... Chaplains aren't supposed to be combatants.