
Korea
*ABRELL, CHARLES G. Rank and organization:
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion,
1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and
date: Hangnyong, Korea, 10 June 1951. Entered service
at: Terre Haute, Ind. Born: 12 August 1931, Terre Haute,
Ind. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a fire team leader in Company E,
in action against enemy aggressor forces. While
advancing with his platoon in an attack against
well-concealed and heavily fortified enemy hill
positions, Cpl. Abrell voluntarily rushed forward
through the assaulting squad which was pinned down by a
hail of intense and accurate automatic-weapons fire from
a hostile bunker situated on commanding ground. Although
previously wounded by enemy hand grenade fragments, he
proceeded to carry out a bold, single-handed attack
against the bunker, exhorting his comrades to follow
him. Sustaining 2 additional wounds as he stormed toward
the emplacement, he resolutely pulled the pin from a
grenade clutched in his hand and hurled himself bodily
into the bunker with the live missile still in his
grasp. Fatally wounded in the resulting explosion which
killed the entire enemy gun crew within the stronghold,
Cpl. Abrell, by his valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in
the face of certain death, served to inspire all his
comrades and contributed directly to the success of his
platoon in attaining its objective. His superb courage
and heroic initiative sustain and enhance the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.
*ADAMS,
STANLEY T. Rank and
organization: Master Sergeant (then Sfc.),
U.S. Army, Company A, 19th Infantry
Regiment. Place and date: Near Sesim-ni,
Korea, 4 February 1951. Entered service at:
Olathe, Kans. Born: 9 May 1922, DeSoto,
Kans. G.O. No.: 66, 2 August 1951. Citation:
M/Sgt. Adams, Company A, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty in action against an enemy. At
approximately 0100 hours, M/Sgt. Adams'
platoon, holding an outpost some 200 yards
ahead of his company, came under a
determined attack by an estimated 250 enemy
troops. Intense small-arms, machine gun, and
mortar fire from 3 sides pressed the platoon
back against the main line of resistance.
Observing approximately 150 hostile troops
silhouetted against the skyline advancing
against his platoon, M/Sgt. Adams leaped to
his feet, urged his men to fix bayonets, and
he, with 13 members of his platoon, charged
this hostile force with indomitable courage.
Within 50 yards of the enemy M/Sgt. Adams
was knocked to the ground when pierced in
the leg by an enemy bullet. He jumped to his
feet and, ignoring his wound, continued on
to close with the enemy when he was knocked
down 4 times from the concussion of grenades
which had bounced off his body. Shouting
orders he charged the enemy positions and
engaged them in hand-to-hand combat where
man after man fell before his terrific
onslaught with bayonet and rifle butt. After
nearly an hour of vicious action M/Sgt.
Adams and his comrades routed the fanatical
foe, killing over 50 and forcing the
remainder to withdraw. Upon receiving orders
that his battalion was moving back he
provided cover fire while his men withdrew.
M/Sgt. Adams' superb leadership, incredible
courage, and consummate devotion to duty so
inspired his comrades that the enemy attack
was completely thwarted, saving his
battalion from possible disaster. His
sustained personal bravery and indomitable
fighting spirit against overwhelming odds
reflect the utmost glory upon himself and
uphold the finest traditions of the infantry
and the military service. BARBER,
WILLIAM E. Rank and
organization: Captain U.S. Marine Corps,
commanding officer, Company F, 2d Battalion
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
Place and date: Chosin Reservoir area,
Korea, 28 November to 2 December 1950.
Entered service at: West Liberty, Ky. Born:
30 November 1919, Dehart, Ky. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty as commanding officer of Company F
in action against enemy aggressor forces.
Assigned to defend a 3-mile mountain pass
along the division's main supply line and
commanding the only route of approach in the
march from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, Capt.
Barber took position with his battle-weary
troops and, before nightfall, had dug in and
set up a defense along the frozen,
snow-covered hillside. When a force of
estimated regimental strength savagely
attacked during the night, inflicting heavy
casualties and finally surrounding his
position following a bitterly fought 7-hour
conflict, Capt. Barber, after repulsing the
enemy gave assurance that he could hold if
supplied by airdrops and requested
permission to stand fast when orders were
received by radio to fight his way back to a
relieving force after 2 reinforcing units
had been driven back under fierce resistance
in their attempts to reach the isolated
troops. Aware that leaving the position
would sever contact with the 8,000 marines
trapped at Yudam-ni and jeopardize their
chances of joining the 3,000 more awaiting
their arrival in Hagaru-ri for the continued
drive to the sea, he chose to risk loss of
his command rather than sacrifice more men
if the enemy seized control and forced a
renewed battle to regain the position, or
abandon his many wounded who were unable to
walk. Although severely wounded in the leg
in the early morning of the 29th, Capt.
Barber continued to maintain personal
control, often moving up and down the lines
on a stretcher to direct the defense and
consistently encouraging and inspiring his
men to supreme efforts despite the
staggering opposition. Waging desperate
battle throughout 5 days and 6 nights of
repeated onslaughts launched by the
fanatical aggressors, he and his heroic
command accounted for approximately 1,000
enemy dead in this epic stand in bitter
subzero weather, and when the company was
relieved only 82 of his original 220 men
were able to walk away from the position so
valiantly defended against insuperable odds.
His profound faith and courage, great
personal valor, and unwavering fortitude
were decisive factors in the successful
withdrawal of the division from the
deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and
reflect the highest credit upon Capt.
Barber, his intrepid officers and men, and
the U.S. Naval Service. *BARKER,
CHARLES H. Rank and
organization: Private First Class (then
Pvt.), U.S. Army, Company K, 17th Infantry
Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Place and
date: Near Sokkogae, Korea, 4 June 1953.
Entered service at: Pickens County, S.C.
Born: 12 April 1935, Pickens County, S.C.
G.O. No.: 37, 7 June 1955. Citation: Pfc.
Barker, a member of Company K, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
indomitable courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the enemy.
While participating in a combat patrol
engaged in screening an approach to
"Pork-Chop Outpost," Pfc. Barker and his
companions surprised and engaged an enemy
group digging emplacements on the slope.
Totally unprepared, the hostile troops
sought cover. After ordering Pfc. Barker and
a comrade to lay down a base of fire, the
patrol leader maneuvered the remainder of
the platoon to a vantage point on higher
ground. Pfc. Barker moved to an open area
firing his rifle and hurling grenades on the
hostile positions. As enemy action increased
in volume and intensity, mortar bursts fell
on friendly positions, ammunition was in
critical supply, and the platoon was ordered
to withdraw into a perimeter defense
preparatory to moving back to the outpost.
Voluntarily electing to cover the retrograde
movement, he gallantly maintained a defense
and was last seen in close hand-to-hand
combat with the enemy. Pfc. Barker's
unflinching courage, consummate devotion to
duty, and supreme sacrifice enabled the
patrol to complete the mission and effect an
orderly withdrawal to friendly lines,
reflecting lasting glory upon himself and
upholding the highest traditions of the
military service. *BAUGH,
WILLIAM B. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion, 1st
Marine, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place
and date: Along road from Koto-ri to
Hagaru-ri, Korea, 29 November 1950. Entered
service at: Harrison, Ohio. Born: 7 July
1930, McKinney, Ky. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty while serving as a member of an
antitank assault squad attached to Company
G, during a nighttime enemy attack against a
motorized column. Acting instantly when a
hostile hand grenade landed in his truck as
he and his squad prepared to alight and
assist in the repulse of an enemy force
delivering intense automatic-weapons and
grenade fire from deeply entrenched and
well-concealed roadside positions, Pfc.
Baugh quickly shouted a warning to the other
men in the vehicle and, unmindful of his
personal safety, hurled himself upon the
deadly missile, thereby saving his comrades
from serious injury or possible death.
Sustaining severe wounds from which he died
a short time afterward, Pfc. Baugh, by his
superb courage and valiant spirit of
self-sacrifice, upheld the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country. *BENFOLD,
EDWARD C. Rank and
organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class,
U.S. Navy, attached to a company in the 1st
Marine Division. Place and date: Korea, 5
September 1952. Entered service at:
Philadelphia, Pa. Born: 15 January 1931,
Staten Island, N.Y. Citation: For gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving in operations against enemy
aggressor forces. When his company was
subjected to heavy artillery and mortar
barrages, followed by a determined assault
during the hours of darkness by an enemy
force estimated at battalion strength, HC3c.
Benfold resolutely moved from position to
position in the face of intense hostile
fire, treating the wounded and lending words
of encouragement. Leaving the protection of
his sheltered position to treat the wounded
when the platoon area in which he was
working was attacked from both the front and
rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridge
line where he observed 2 marines in a large
crater. As he approached the 2 men to
determine their condition, an enemy soldier
threw 2 grenades into the crater while 2
other enemy charged the position. Picking up
a grenade in each hand, HC3c Benfold leaped
out of the crater and hurled himself against
the on-rushing hostile soldiers, pushing the
grenades against their chests and killing
both the attackers. Mortally wounded while
carrying out this heroic act, HC3c. Benfold,
by his great personal valor and resolute
spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of
almost certain death, was directly
responsible for saving the lives of his 2
comrades. His exceptional courage reflects
the highest credit upon himself and enhances
the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for
others. *BENNETT,
EMORY L. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Sobangsan, Korea, 24 June 1951. Entered
service at: Cocoa, Fla. Born: 20 December
1929, New Smyrna Beach, Fla. G.O. No.: 11, 1
February 1952. Citation: Pfc. Bennett a
member of Company B, distinguished himself
by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty in action against an armed
enemy of the United Nations. At
approximately 0200 hours, 2 enemy battalions
swarmed up the ridge line in a ferocious
banzai charge in an attempt to dislodge Pfc.
Bennett's company from its defensive
positions. Meeting the challenge, the
gallant defenders delivered destructive
retaliation, but the enemy pressed the
assault with fanatical determination and the
integrity of the perimeter was imperiled.
Fully aware of the odds against him, Pfc.
Bennett unhesitatingly left his foxhole,
moved through withering fire, stood within
full view of the enemy, and, employing his
automatic rifle, poured crippling fire into
the ranks of the onrushing assailants,
inflicting numerous casualties. Although
wounded, Pfc. Bennett gallantly maintained
his l-man defense and the attack was
momentarily halted. During this lull in
battle, the company regrouped for
counterattack, but the numerically superior
foe soon infiltrated into the position. Upon
orders to move back, Pfc. Bennett
voluntarily remained to provide covering
fire for the withdrawing elements, and,
defying the enemy, continued to sweep the
charging foe with devastating fire until
mortally wounded. His willing self-sacrifice
and intrepid actions saved the position from
being overrun and enabled the company to
effect an orderly withdrawal. Pfc. Bennett's
unflinching courage and consummate devotion
to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and
the military service. BLEAK, DAVID
B. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Medical
Company 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Vicinity
of Minari-gol, Korea, 14 June 1952. Entered
service at: Shelley, Idaho. Born: 27
February 1932, Idaho Falls, Idaho. G.O. No.:
83, 2 November 1953. Citation: Sgt. Bleak, a
member of the medical company, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
indomitable courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the enemy. As
a medical aidman, he volunteered to
accompany a reconnaissance patrol committed
to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner
for interrogation. Forging up the rugged
slope of the key terrain, the group was
subjected to intense automatic weapons and
small arms fire and suffered several
casualties. After administering to the
wounded, he continued to advance with the
patrol. Nearing the military crest of the
hill, while attempting to cross the
fire-swept area to attend the wounded, he
came under hostile fire from a small group
of the enemy concealed in a trench. Entering
the trench he closed with the enemy, killed
2 with bare hands and a third with his
trench knife. Moving from the emplacement,
he saw a concussion grenade fall in front of
a companion and, quickly shifting his
position, shielded the man from the impact
of the blast. Later, while ministering to
the wounded, he was struck by a hostile
bullet but, despite the wound, he undertook
to evacuate a wounded comrade. As he moved
down the hill with his heavy burden, he was
attacked by 2 enemy soldiers with fixed
bayonets. Closing with the aggressors, he
grabbed them and smacked their heads
together, then carried his helpless comrade
down the hill to safety. Sgt. Bleak's
dauntless courage and intrepid actions
reflect utmost credit upon himself and are
in keeping with the honored traditions of
the military service. *BRITTIN,
NELSON V. Rank and
organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, Company I, 19th Infantry Regiment.
Place and date: Vicinity of Yonggong-ni,
Korea, 7 March 1951. Entered service at:
Audubon, N.J. Birth: Audubon, N.J. G.O. No.:
12, 1 February 1952. Citation: Sfc. Brittin,
a member of Company I, distinguished himself
by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in action.
Volunteering to lead his squad up a hill,
with meager cover against murderous fire
from the enemy, he ordered his squad to give
him support and, in the face of withering
fire and bursting shells, he tossed a
grenade at the nearest enemy position. On
returning to his squad, he was knocked down
and wounded by an enemy grenade. Refusing
medical attention, he replenished his supply
of grenades and returned, hurling grenades
into hostile positions and shooting the
enemy as they fled. When his weapon jammed,
he leaped without hesitation into a foxhole
and killed the occupants with his bayonet
and the butt of his rifle. He continued to
wipe out foxholes and, noting that his squad
had been pinned down, he rushed to the rear
of a machine gun position, threw a grenade
into the nest, and ran around to its front,
where he killed all 3 occupants with his
rifle. Less than 100 yards up the hill, his
squad again came under vicious fire from
another camouflaged, sandbagged, machine gun
nest well-flanked by supporting riflemen.
Sfc. Brittin again charged this new position
in an aggressive endeavor to silence this
remaining obstacle and ran direct into a
burst of automatic fire which killed him
instantly. In his sustained and driving
action, he had killed 20 enemy soldiers and
destroyed 4 automatic weapons. The
conspicuous courage, consummate valor, and
noble self-sacrifice displayed by Sfc.
Brittin enabled his inspired company to
attain its objective and reflect the highest
glory on himself and the heroic traditions
of the military service. *BROWN,
MELVIN L. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company D, 8th Engineer Combat
Battalion. Place and date: Near Kasan,
Korea, 4 September 1950. Entered service at:
Erie, Pa. Birth: Mahaffey, Pa. G.O. No.: 11,
16 February 1951. Citation. Pfc. Brown,
Company D distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. While his platoon was
securing Hill 755 (the Walled City), the
enemy, using heavy automatic weapons and
small arms, counterattacked. Taking a
position on a 50-foot-high wall he delivered
heavy rifle fire on the enemy. His
ammunition was soon expended and although
wounded, he remained at his post and threw
his few grenades into the attackers causing
many casualties. When his supply of grenades
was exhausted his comrades from nearby
foxholes tossed others to him and he left
his position, braving a hail of fire, to
retrieve and throw them at the enemy. The
attackers continued to assault his position
and Pfc. Brown weaponless, drew his
entrenching tool from his pack and calmly
waited until they 1 by 1 peered over the
wall, delivering each a crushing blow upon
the head. Knocking 10 or 12 enemy from the
wall, his daring action so inspired his
platoon that they repelled the attack and
held their position. Pfc. Brown's
extraordinary heroism, gallantry, and
intrepidity reflect the highest credit upon
himself and was in keeping with the honored
traditions of the military service.
Reportedly missing in action and officially
killed in action, September 5, 1950. BURKE, LLOYD
L. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army,
Company G, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division. Place and date: Near Chong-dong,
Korea, 28 October 1951. Entered service at:
Stuttgart, Ark. Born: 29 September 1924,
Tichnor, Ark. G.O. No.: 43. Citation: 1st
Lt. Burke, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and outstanding
courage above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. Intense enemy fire
had pinned down leading elements of his
company committed to secure commanding
ground when 1st Lt. Burke left the command
post to rally and urge the men to follow him
toward 3 bunkers impeding the advance.
Dashing to an exposed vantage point he threw
several grenades at the bunkers, then,
returning for an Ml rifle and adapter, he
made a lone assault, wiping out the position
and killing the crew. Closing on the center
bunker he lobbed grenades through the
opening and, with his pistol, killed 3 of
its occupants attempting to surround him.
Ordering his men forward he charged the
third emplacement, catching several grenades
in midair and hurling them back at the
enemy. Inspired by his display of valor his
men stormed forward, overran the hostile
position, but were again pinned down by
increased fire. Securing a light machine gun
and 3 boxes of ammunition, 1st Lt. Burke
dashed through the impact area to an open
knoll, set up his gun and poured a crippling
fire into the ranks of the enemy, killing
approximately 75. Although wounded, he
ordered more ammunition, reloading and
destroying 2 mortar emplacements and a
machine gun position with his accurate fire.
Cradling the weapon in his arms he then led
his men forward, killing some 25 more of the
retreating enemy and securing the objective.
1st Lt. Burke's heroic action and daring
exploits inspired his small force of 35
troops. His unflinching courage and
outstanding leadership reflect the highest
credit upon himself, the infantry, and the
U.S. Army. *BURRIS, TONY
K. Rank and
organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d
Infantry Division. Place and date: vicinity
of Mundung-ni, Korea 8 and 9 October 1951.
Entered service at: Blanchard, Okla. Birth:
Blanchard, Okla. G.O. No.: 84, 5 September
1952. Citation: Sfc. Burris, a member of
Company L, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and outstanding
courage above and beyond the call of duty.
On 8 October, when his company encountered
intense fire from an entrenched hostile
force, Sfc. Burris charged forward alone,
throwing grenades into the position and
destroying approximately 15 of the enemy. On
the following day, spearheading a renewed
assault on enemy positions on the next
ridge, he was wounded by machine gun fire
but continued the assault, reaching the
crest of the ridge ahead of his unit and
sustaining a second wound. Calling for a
57mm. recoilless rifle team, he deliberately
exposed himself to draw hostile fire and
reveal the enemy position. The enemy machine
gun emplacement was destroyed. The company
then moved forward and prepared to assault
other positions on the ridge line. Sfc.
Burris, refusing evacuation and submitting
only to emergency treatment, joined the unit
in its renewed attack but fire from hostile
emplacement halted the advance. Sfc. Burris
rose to his feet, charged forward and
destroyed the first emplacement with its
heavy machine gun and crew of 6 men. Moving
out to the next emplacement, and throwing
his last grenade which destroyed this
position, he fell mortally wounded by enemy
fire. Inspired by his consummate gallantry,
his comrades renewed a spirited assault
which overran enemy positions and secured
Hill 605, a strategic position in the battle
for "Heartbreak Ridge," Sfc. Burris'
indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding
heroism, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect
the highest glory upon himself, the infantry
and the U.S. Army. CAFFERATA,
HECTOR A., JR. Rank and
organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve, Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place
and date: Korea, 28 November 1950. Entered
service at: Dover, N.J. Born: 4 November
1929, New York, N.Y. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty while serving as a rifleman with
Company F, in action against enemy aggressor
forces. When all the other members of his
fire team became casualties, creating a gap
in the lines, during the initial phase of a
vicious attack launched by a fanatical enemy
of regimental strength against his company's
hill position, Pvt. Cafferata waged a lone
battle with grenades and rifle fire as the
attack gained momentum and the enemy
threatened penetration through the gap and
endangered the integrity of the entire
defensive perimeter. Making a target of
himself under the devastating fire from
automatic weapons, rifles, grenades, and
mortars, he maneuvered up and down the line
and delivered accurate and effective fire
against the onrushing force, killing 15,
wounding many more, and forcing the others
to withdraw so that reinforcements could
move up and consolidate the position. Again
fighting desperately against a renewed
onslaught later that same morning when a
hostile grenade landed in a shallow
entrenchment occupied by wounded marines,
Pvt. Cafferata rushed into the gully under
heavy fire, seized the deadly missile in his
right hand and hurled it free of his
comrades before it detonated, severing part
of 1 finger and seriously wounding him in
the right hand and arm. Courageously
ignoring the intense pain, he staunchly
fought on until he was struck by a sniper's
bullet and forced to submit to evacuation
for medical treatment Stouthearted and
indomitable, Pvt. Cafferata, by his
fortitude, great personal valor, and
dauntless perseverance in the face of almost
certain death, saved the lives of several of
his fellow marines and contributed
essentially to the success achieved by his
company in maintaining its defensive
position against tremendous odds. His
extraordinary heroism throughout was in
keeping with the highest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service. *CHAMPAGNE,
DAVID B. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps,
Company A 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st
Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date.
Korea, 28 May 1952. Entered service at:
Wakefield R.I. Born: 11 November 1932,
Waterville, Md. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a fire team leader of Company A,
in action against enemy aggressor forces.
Advancing with his platoon in the initial
assault of the company against a strongly
fortified and heavily defended hill
position, Cpl. Champagne skillfully led his
fire team through a veritable hail of
intense enemy machine gun, small-arms, and
grenade fire, overrunning trenches and a
series of almost impregnable bunker
positions before reaching the crest of the
hill and placing his men in defensive
positions. Suffering a painful leg wound
while assisting in repelling the ensuing
hostile counterattack, which was launched
under cover of a murderous hail of mortar
and artillery fire, he steadfastly refused
evacuation and fearlessly continued to
control his fire team When the enemy
counterattack increased in intensity, and a
hostile grenade landed in the midst of the
fire team, Cpl. Champagne unhesitatingly
seized the deadly missile and hurled it in
the direction of the approaching enemy. As
the grenade left his hand, it exploded
blowing off his hand and throwing him out of
the trench. Mortally wounded by enemy mortar
fire while in this exposed position, Cpl.
Champagne, by his valiant leadership,
fortitude, and gallant spirit of
self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain
death, undoubtedly saved the lives of
several of his fellow marines. His heroic
actions served to inspire all who observed
him and reflect the highest credit upon
himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country. CHARETTE,
WILLIAM R. Rank and
organization: Hospital Corpsman Third Class,
U.S. Navy Medical Corpsman serving with a
marine rifle company. Place and date: Korea,
27 March 1953. Entered service at:
Ludington, Michigan. Birth: Ludington, Mich.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against enemy aggressor forces during the
early morning hours. Participating in a
fierce encounter with a cleverly concealed
and well-entrenched enemy force occupying
positions on a vital and bitterly contested
outpost far in advance of the main line of
resistance, HC3c. Charette repeatedly and
unhesitatingly moved about through a
murderous barrage of hostile small-arms and
mortar fire to render assistance to his
wounded comrades. When an enemy grenade
landed within a few feet of a marine he was
attending, he immediately threw himself upon
the stricken man and absorbed the entire
concussion of the deadly missile with his
body. Although sustaining painful facial
wounds, and undergoing shock from the
intensity of the blast which ripped the
helmet and medical aid kit from his person,
HC3c. Charette resourcefully improvised
emergency bandages by tearing off part of
his clothing, and gallantly continued to
administer medical aid to the wounded in his
own unit and to those in adjacent platoon
areas as well. Observing a seriously wounded
comrade whose armored vest had been torn
from his body by the blast from an exploding
shell, he selflessly removed his own battle
vest and placed it upon the helpless man
although fully aware of the added jeopardy
to himself. Moving to the side of another
casualty who was suffering excruciating pain
from a serious leg wound, HC3c. Charette
stood upright in the trench line and exposed
himself to a deadly hail of enemy fire in
order to lend more effective aid to the
victim and to alleviate his anguish while
being removed to a position of safety. By
his indomitable courage and inspiring
efforts in behalf of his wounded comrades,
HC3c. Charette was directly responsible for
saving many lives. His great personal valor
reflects the highest credit upon himself and
enhances the finest traditions of the U.S.
Naval Service. *CHARLTON,
CORNELIUS H. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company
C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry
Division. Place and date: Near Chipo-ri,
Korea, 2 June 1951. Entered service at:
Bronx, N.Y. Born: 24 July 1929, East Gulf,
W. Va. G.O. No.: 30, 19 March 1952.
Citation: Sgt. Charlton, a member of Company
C, distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty in action against the
enemy. His platoon was attacking heavily
defended hostile positions on commanding
ground when the leader was wounded and
evacuated. Sgt. Charlton assumed command,
rallied the men, and spearheaded the assault
against the hill. Personally eliminating 2
hostile positions and killing 6 of the enemy
with his rifle fire and grenades, he
continued up the slope until the unit
suffered heavy casualties and became pinned
down. Regrouping the men he led them forward
only to be again hurled back by a shower of
grenades. Despite a severe chest wound, Sgt.
Charlton refused medical attention and led a
third daring charge which carried to the
crest of the ridge. Observing that the
remaining emplacement which had retarded the
advance was situated on the reverse slope,
he charged it alone, was again hit by a
grenade but raked the position with a
devastating fire which eliminated it and
routed the defenders. The wounds received
during his daring exploits resulted in his
death but his indomitable courage, superb
leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice
reflect the highest credit upon himself the
infantry, and the military service.
*CHRISTIANSON, STANLEY R. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place
and date: Seoul, Korea, 29 September 1950.
Entered service at: Mindoro, Wis. Born: 24
January 1925, Mindoro, Wis. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty while serving with Company E, in
action against enemy aggressor forces at
Hill 132, in the early morning hours.
Manning 1 of the several listening posts
covering approaches to the platoon area when
the enemy commenced the attack, Pfc.
Christianson quickly sent another marine to
alert the rest of the platoon. Without
orders, he remained in his position and,
with full knowledge that he would have
slight chance of escape, fired relentlessly
at oncoming hostile troops attacking
furiously with rifles, automatic weapons,
and incendiary grenades. Accounting for 7
enemy dead in the immediate vicinity before
his position was overrun and he himself
fatally struck down, Pfc. Christianson, by
his superb courage, valiant fighting spirit,
and devotion to duty, was responsible for
allowing the rest of the platoon time to man
positions, build up a stronger defense on
that flank, and repel the attack with 41 of
the enemy destroyed, many more wounded, and
3 taken prisoner. His self-sacrificing
actions in the face of overwhelming odds
sustain and enhance the finest traditions of
the U.S. Naval Service. Pfc. Christianson
gallantly gave his life for his country. *COLLIER,
GILBERT G. Rank and
organization: Sergeant (then Cpl.), U.S.
Army, Company F, 223d Infantry Regiment,
40th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Tutayon, Korea, 19-20 July 1953. Entered
service at: Tichnor Ark. Born: 30 December
1930, Hunter, Ark. G.O. No.: 3, 12 January
1955. Citation: Sgt. Collier, a member of
Company F, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and indomitable
courage above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. Sgt. Collier was
pointman and assistant leader of a combat
patrol committed to make contact with the
enemy. As the patrol moved forward through
the darkness, he and his commanding officer
slipped and fell from a steep, 60-foot cliff
and were injured. Incapacitated by a badly
sprained ankle which prevented immediate
movement, the officer ordered the patrol to
return to the safety of friendly lines.
Although suffering from a painful back
injury, Sgt. Collier elected to remain with
his leader, and before daylight they managed
to crawl back up and over the mountainous
terrain to the opposite valley where they
concealed themselves in the brush until
nightfall, then edged toward their company
positions. Shortly after leaving the
daylight retreat they were ambushed and, in
the ensuing fire fight, Sgt. Collier killed
2 hostile soldiers, received painful wounds,
and was separated from his companion. Then,
ammunition expended, he closed in
hand-to-hand combat with 4 attacking hostile
infantrymen, killing, wounding, and routing
the foe with his bayonet. He was mortally
wounded during this action, but made a
valiant attempt to reach and assist his
leader in a desperate effort to save his
comrade's life without regard for his own
personal safety. Sgt. Collier's unflinching
courage, consummate devotion to duty, and
gallant self-sacrifice reflect lasting glory
upon himself and uphold the noble traditions
of the military service. *COLLIER,
JOHN W. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company
C, 27th Infantry Regiment. Place and date:
Near Chindong-ni, Korea, 19 September 1950.
Entered service at: Worthington, Ky. Born: 3
April 1929, Worthington, Ky. G.O. No.: 86, 2
August 1951. Citation: Cpl. Collier, Company
C, distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty in action. While engaged in
an assault on a strategic ridge strongly
defended by a fanatical enemy, the leading
elements of his company encountered intense
automatic weapons and grenade fire. Cpl.
Collier and 3 comrades volunteered and moved
forward to neutralize an enemy machine gun
position which was hampering the company's
advance, but they were twice repulsed. On
the third attempt, Cpl. Collier, despite
heavy enemy fire and grenade barrages, moved
to an exposed position ahead of his
comrades, assaulted and destroyed the
machine gun nest, killing at least 4 enemy
soldiers. As he returned down the rocky,
fire-swept hill and joined his squad, an
enemy grenade landed in their midst.
Shouting a warning to his comrades, he,
selflessly and unhesitatingly, threw himself
upon the grenade and smothered its explosion
with his body. This intrepid action saved
his comrades from death or injury. Cpl.
Collier's supreme, personal bravery,
consummate gallantry, and noble
self-sacrifice reflect untold glory upon
himself and uphold the honored traditions of
the military service. COMMISKEY,
HENRY A., SR. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant (then 2d
Lt.), U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 1st
Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Near Yongdungp'o,
Korea, 20 September 1950. Entered service
at: Hattiesburg, Miss. Birth: 10 January
1927, Hattiesburg, Miss. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty while serving as a platoon leader in
Company C, in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Directed to attack hostile forces
well dug in on Hill 85, 1st Lt. Commiskey,
spearheaded the assault, charging up the
steep slopes on the run. Coolly disregarding
the heavy enemy machine gun and small arms
fire, he plunged on well forward of the rest
of his platoon and was the first man to
reach the crest of the objective. Armed only
with a pistol, he jumped into a hostile
machine gun emplacement occupied by 5 enemy
troops and quickly disposed of 4 of the
soldiers with his automatic pistol.
Grappling with the fifth, 1st Lt. Commiskey
knocked him to the ground and held him until
he could obtain a weapon from another member
of his platoon and killed the last of the
enemy guncrew. Continuing his bold assault,
he moved to the next emplacement, killed 2
more of the enemy and then led his platoon
toward the rear nose of the hill to rout the
remainder of the hostile troops and destroy
them as they fled from their positions. His
valiant leadership and courageous fighting
spirit served to inspire the men of his
company to heroic endeavor in seizing the
objective and reflect the highest credit
upon 1st Lt. Commiskey and the U.S. Naval
Service. *COURSEN,
SAMUEL S. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army,
Company C 5th Cavalry Regiment. Place and
date: Near Kaesong, Korea, 12 October 1950.
Entered service at: Madison, N.J. Born: 4
August 1926 Madison, N.J. G.O. No.: 57, 2
August 1951. Citation: 1st Lt. Coursen
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty in action. While Company C
was attacking Hill 174 under heavy enemy
small-arms fire, his platoon received enemy
fire from close range. The platoon returned
the fire and continued to advance. During
this phase 1 his men moved into a
well-camouflaged emplacement, which was
thought to be unoccupied, and was wounded by
the enemy who were hidden within the
emplacement. Seeing the soldier in
difficulty he rushed to the man's aid and,
without regard for his personal safety,
engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat in
an effort to protect his wounded comrade
until he himself was killed. When his body
was recovered after the battle 7 enemy dead
were found in the emplacement. As the result
of 1st Lt. Coursen's violent struggle
several of the enemies' heads had been
crushed with his rifle. His aggressive and
intrepid actions saved the life of the
wounded man, eliminated the main position of
the enemy roadblock, and greatly inspired
the men in his command. 1st Lt. Coursen's
extraordinary heroism and intrepidity
reflect the highest credit on himself and
are in keeping with the honored traditions
of the military service. *CRAIG,
GORDON M. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Reconnaissance Company, 1st Cavalry
Division. Place and date: Near Kasan, Korea
10 September 1950. Entered service at.
Brockton, Mass. Born: 1 August 1929,
Brockton, Mass. G.O. No.: 23, 25 April 1951.
Citation: Cpl. Craig, 16th Reconnaissance
Company, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. During the attack on a
strategic enemy-held hill his company's
advance was subjected to intense hostile
grenade mortar, and small-arms fire. Cpl.
Craig and 4 comrades moved forward to
eliminate an enemy machine gun nest that was
hampering the company's advance. At that
instance an enemy machine gunner hurled a
hand grenade at the advancing men. Without
hesitating or attempting to seek cover for
himself, Cpl. Craig threw himself on the
grenade and smothered its burst with his
body. His intrepid and selfless act, in
which he unhesitantly gave his life for his
comrades, inspired them to attack with such
ferocity that they annihilated the enemy
machine gun crew, enabling the company to
continue its attack. Cpl. Craig's noble
self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit
upon himself and upholds the esteemed
traditions of the military service. CRUMP, JERRY
K. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company
L, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry
Division. Place and date: Near Chorwon,
Korea, 6 and 7 September 1951. Entered
service at: Forest City, N.C. Born: 18
February 1933, Charlotte, N.C. G.O. No.: 68,
11 July 1952. Citation. Cpl. Crump, a member
of Company L, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and outstanding
courage above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. During the night a
numerically superior hostile force launched
an assault against his platoon on Hill 284,
overrunning friendly positions and swarming
into the sector. Cpl. Crump repeatedly
exposed himself to deliver effective fire
into the ranks of the assailants, inflicting
numerous casualties. Observing 2 enemy
soldiers endeavoring to capture a friendly
machine gun, he charged and killed both with
his bayonet, regaining control of the
weapon. Returning to his position, now
occupied by 4 of his wounded comrades, he
continued his accurate fire into enemy
troops surrounding his emplacement. When a
hostile soldier hurled a grenade into the
position, Cpl. Crump immediately flung
himself over the missile, absorbing the
blast with his body and saving his comrades
from death or serious injury. His aggressive
actions had so inspired his comrades that a
spirited counterattack drove the enemy from
the perimeter. Cpl. Crump's heroic devotion
to duty, indomitable fighting spirit, and
willingness to sacrifice himself to save his
comrades reflect the highest credit upon
himself, the infantry and the U.S. Army. *DAVENPORT,
JACK A. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps,
Company G, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st
Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date:
Vicinity of Songnae-Dong, Korea, 21
September 1951. Entered service at: Mission,
Kans. Born: 7 September 1931, Kansas City,
Mo. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as
a squad leader in Company G, in action
against enemy aggressor forces, early in the
morning. While expertly directing the
defense of his position during a probing
attack by hostile forces attempting to
infiltrate the area, Cpl. Davenport, acting
quickly when an enemy grenade fell into the
foxhole which he was occupying with another
marine, skillfully located the deadly
projectile in the dark and, undeterred by
the personal risk involved, heroically threw
himself over the live missile, thereby
saving his companion from serious injury or
possible death. His cool and resourceful
leadership were contributing factors in the
successful repulse of the enemy attack and
his superb courage and admirable spirit of
self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain
death enhance and sustain the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. Cpl.
Davenport gallantly gave his life for his
country. *DAVIS,
GEORGE ANDREW, JR. Rank and
organization: Major, U.S. Air Force, CO,
334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group,
5th Air Force. Place and date: Near Sinuiju-Yalu
River area, Korea, 10 February 1952. Entered
service at: Lubbock, Tex. Born: 1 December
1920, Dublin, Tex. Citation: Maj. Davis
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his
life above and beyond the call of duty.
While leading a flight of 4 F-86 Saberjets
on a combat aerial patrol mission near the
Manchurian border, Maj. Davis' element
leader ran out of oxygen and was forced to
retire from the flight with his wingman
accompanying him. Maj. Davis and the
remaining F-86's continued the mission and
sighted a formation of approximately 12
enemy MIG-15 aircraft speeding southward
toward an area where friendly
fighter-bombers were conducting low level
operations against the Communist lines of
communications. With selfless disregard for
the numerical superiority of the enemy, Maj.
Davis positioned his 2 aircraft, then dove
at the MIG formation. While speeding through
the formation from the rear he singled out a
MIG-15 and destroyed it with a concentrated
burst of fire. Although he was now under
continuous fire from the enemy fighters to
his rear, Maj. Davis sustained his attack.
He fired at another MIG-15 which, bursting
into smoke and flames, went into a vertical
dive. Rather than maintain his superior
speed and evade the enemy fire being
concentrated on him, he elected to reduce
his speed and sought out still a third
MIG-15. During this latest attack his
aircraft sustained a direct hit, went out of
control, then crashed into a mountain 30
miles south of the Yalu River. Maj. Davis'
bold attack completely disrupted the enemy
formation, permitting the friendly
fighter-bombers to successfully complete
their interdiction mission. Maj. Davis, by
his indomitable fighting spirit, heroic
aggressiveness, and superb courage in
engaging the enemy against formidable odds
exemplified valor at its highest. DAVIS,
RAYMOND G. Rank and
organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S.
Marine Corps commanding officer, 1st
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Vicinity Hagaru-ri,
Korea, 1 through 4 December 1950. Entered
service at: Atlanta, Ga. Born: 13 January
1915, Fitzgerald, Ga. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty as commanding officer of the 1st
Battalion, in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Although keenly aware that the
operation involved breaking through a
surrounding enemy and advancing 8 miles
along primitive icy trails in the bitter
cold with every passage disputed by a savage
and determined foe, Lt. Col. Davis boldly
led his battalion into the attack in a
daring attempt to relieve a beleaguered
rifle company and to seize, hold, and defend
a vital mountain pass controlling the only
route available for 2 marine regiments in
danger of being cut off by numerically
superior hostile forces during their
re-deployment to the port of Hungnam. When
the battalion immediately encountered strong
opposition from entrenched enemy forces
commanding high ground in the path of the
advance, he promptly spearheaded his unit in
a fierce attack up the steep, ice-covered
slopes in the face of withering fire and,
personally leading the assault groups in a
hand-to-hand encounter, drove the hostile
troops from their positions, rested his men,
and reconnoitered the area under enemy fire
to determine the best route for continuing
the mission. Always in the thick of the
fighting Lt. Col. Davis led his battalion
over 3 successive ridges in the deep snow in
continuous attacks against the enemy and,
constantly inspiring and encouraging his men
throughout the night, brought his unit to a
point within 1,500 yards of the surrounded
rifle company by daybreak. Although knocked
to the ground when a shell fragment struck
his helmet and 2 bullets pierced his
clothing, he arose and fought his way
forward at the head of his men until he
reached the isolated marines. On the
following morning, he bravely led his
battalion in securing the vital mountain
pass from a strongly entrenched and
numerically superior hostile force, carrying
all his wounded with him, including 22
litter cases and numerous ambulatory
patients. Despite repeated savage and heavy
assaults by the enemy, he stubbornly held
the vital terrain until the 2 regiments of
the division had deployed through the pass
and, on the morning of 4 December, led his
battalion into Hagaru-ri intact. By his
superb leadership, outstanding courage, and
brilliant tactical ability, Lt. Col. Davis
was directly instrumental in saving the
beleaguered rifle company from complete
annihilation and enabled the 2 marine
regiments to escape possible destruction.
His valiant devotion to duty and unyielding
fighting spirit in the face of almost
insurmountable odds enhance and sustain the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. DEAN, WILLIAM
F. Rank and
organization: Major General, U.S. Army,
commanding general, 24th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Taejon, Korea, 20 and 21
July 1950. Entered service at: California.
Born: 1 August 1899, Carlyle, Ill. G.O. No.:
7, 16 February 1951. Citation: Maj. Gen.
Dean distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated
risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty. In command of a unit suddenly
relieved from occupation duties in Japan and
as yet untried in combat, faced with a
ruthless and determined enemy, highly
trained and overwhelmingly superior in
numbers, he felt it his duty to take action
which to a man of his military experience
and knowledge was clearly apt to result in
his death. He personally and alone attacked
an enemy tank while armed only with a hand
grenade. He also directed the fire of his
tanks from an exposed position with neither
cover nor concealment while under observed
artillery and small-arm fire. When the town
of Taejon was finally overrun he refused to
insure his own safety by leaving with the
leading elements but remained behind
organizing his retreating forces, directing
stragglers, and was last seen assisting the
wounded to a place of safety. These actions
indicate that Maj. Gen. Dean felt it
necessary to sustain the courage and
resolution of his troops by examples of
excessive gallantry committed always at the
threatened portions of his frontlines. The
magnificent response of his unit to this
willing and cheerful sacrifice, made with
full knowledge of its certain cost, is
history. The success of this phase of the
campaign is in large measure due to Maj.
Gen. Dean's heroic leadership, courageous
and loyal devotion to his men, and his
complete disregard for personal safety. *DESIDERIO,
REGINALD B. Rank and
organization: Captain, U.S. Army, commanding
officer, Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Ipsok, Korea, 27 November 1950. Entered
service at: Gilroy, Calif. Born: 12
September 1918, Clairton, Pa. G.O. No.: 58,
2 August 1951. Citation: Capt. Desiderio
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the repeated
risk of his life above and beyond the call
of duty. His company was given the mission
of defending the command post of a task
force against an enemy breakthrough. After
personal reconnaissance during darkness and
under intense enemy fire, he placed his men
in defensive positions to repel an attack.
Early in the action he was wounded, but
refused evacuation and despite enemy fire
continued to move among his men checking
their positions and making sure that each
element was prepared to receive the next
attack. Again wounded, he continued to
direct his men. By his inspiring leadership
he encouraged them to hold their position.
In the subsequent fighting when the
fanatical enemy succeeded in penetrating the
position, he personally charged them with
carbine, rifle, and grenades, inflicting
many casualties until he himself was
mortally wounded. His men, spurred on by his
intrepid example, repelled this final
attack. Capt. Desiderio's heroic leadership,
courageous and loyal devotion to duty, and
his complete disregard for personal safety
reflect the highest honor on him and are in
keeping with the esteemed traditions of the
U.S. Army. *DEWERT,
RICHARD DAVID Rank and
organization: Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy.
Hospital Corpsman attached to Marine
infantry company, 1st Marine Division. Place
and date: Korea, 5 April 1951. Entered
service at: Taunton, Mass. Birth: Taunton,
Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a HC, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. When a fire team from the
point platoon of his company was pinned down
by a deadly barrage of hostile automatic
weapons fired and suffered many casualties,
HC Dewert rushed to the assistance of 1 of
the more seriously wounded and, despite a
painful leg wound sustained while dragging
the stricken marine to safety, steadfastly
refused medical treatment for himself and
immediately dashed back through the
fireswept area to carry a second wounded man
out of the line of fire. Undaunted by the
mounting hail of devastating enemy fire, he
bravely moved forward a third time and
received another serious wound in the
shoulder after discovering that a wounded
marine had already died. Still persistent in
his refusal to submit to first aid, he
resolutely answered the call of a fourth
stricken comrade and, while rendering
medical assistance, was himself mortally
wounded by a burst of enemy fire. His
courageous initiative, great personal valor,
and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the
face of overwhelming odds reflect the
highest credit upon HC Dewert and enhance
the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
country. DEWEY, DUANE
E. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve, Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place
and date: Near Panmunjon, Korea, 16 April
1952. Entered service at: Muskegon, Mich.
Born: 16 November 1931, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as
a gunner in a machine gun platoon of Company
E, in action against enemy aggressor forces.
When an enemy grenade landed close to his
position while he and his assistant gunner
were receiving medical attention for their
wounds during a fierce night attack by
numerically superior hostile forces, Cpl.
Dewey, although suffering intense pain,
immediately pulled the corpsman to the
ground and, shouting a warning to the other
marines around him. bravely smothered the
deadly missile with his body, personally
absorbing the full force of the explosion to
save his comrades from possible injury or
death. His indomitable courage, outstanding
initiative, and valiant efforts in behalf of
others in the face of almost certain death
reflect the highest credit upon Cpl. Dewey
and enhance the finest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service. DODD, CARL H.
Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant (then 2d
Lt.), U.S. Army, Company E, 5th Infantry
Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Place and
date: Near Subuk, Korea, 30 and 31 January
1951. Entered service at: Kenvir, Ky. Born:
21 April 1925, Evarts, Ky. G.O. No.: 37, 4
June 1951. Citation: 1st Lt. Dodd, Company
E, distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond
the call of duty in action against the
enemy. First Lt. Dodd, given the
responsibility of spearheading an attack to
capture Hill 256, a key terrain feature
defended by a well-armed, crafty foe who had
withstood several previous assaults, led his
platoon forward over hazardous terrain under
hostile small-arms, mortar, and artillery
fire from well-camouflaged enemy
emplacements which reached such intensity
that his men faltered. With utter disregard
for his safety, 1st Lt. Dodd moved among his
men, reorganized and encouraged them, and
then single-handedly charged the first
hostile machine gun nest, killing or
wounding all its occupants. Inspired by his
incredible courage, his platoon responded
magnificently and, fixing bayonets and
throwing grenades, closed on the enemy and
wiped out every hostile position as it moved
relentlessly onward to its initial
objective. Securing the first series of
enemy positions, 1st Lt. Dodd again
reorganized his platoon and led them across
a narrow ridge and onto Hill 256. Firing his
rifle and throwing grenades, he advanced at
the head of his platoon despite the intense
concentrated hostile fire which was brought
to bear on their narrow avenue of approach.
When his platoon was still 200 yards from
the objective he moved ahead and with his
last grenade destroyed an enemy mortar
killing the crew. Darkness then halted the
advance but at daybreak 1st Lt. Dodd, again
boldly advancing ahead of his unit, led the
platoon through a dense fog against the
remaining hostile positions. With bayonet
and grenades he continued to set pace
without regard for the danger to his life,
until he and his troops had eliminated the
last of the defenders and had secured the
final objective. First Lt. Dodd's superb
leadership and extraordinary heroism
inspired his men to overcome this strong
enemy defense reflecting the highest credit
upon himself and upholding the esteemed
traditions of the military service. *DUKE, RAY E.
Rank and
organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, Company C, 21st Infantry Regiment,
24th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Mugok, Korea, 26 April 1951. Entered service
at: Whitwell (Marion County), Tenn. Born: 9
May 1923, Whitwell, Tenn. G.O. No.: 20, 19
March 1954. Citation: Sfc. Duke, a member of
Company C, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and outstanding
courage above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. Upon learning that
several of his men were isolated and heavily
engaged in an area yielded by his platoon
when ordered to withdraw, he led a small
force in a daring assault which recovered
the position and the beleaguered men.
Another enemy attack in strength resulted in
numerous casualties but Sfc. Duke, although
wounded by mortar fragments, calmly moved
along his platoon line to coordinate fields
of fire and to urge his men to hold firm in
the bitter encounter. Wounded a second time
he received first aid and returned to his
position. When the enemy again attacked
shortly after dawn, despite his wounds, Sfc.
Duke repeatedly braved withering fire to
insure maximum defense of each position.
Threatened with annihilation and with
mounting casualties, the platoon was again
ordered to withdraw when Sfc. Duke was
wounded a third time in both legs and was
unable to walk. Realizing that he was
impeding the progress of 2 comrades who were
carrying him from the hill, he urged them to
leave him and seek safety. He was last seen
pouring devastating fire into the ranks of
the onrushing assailants. The consummate
courage, superb leadership, and heroic
actions of Sfc. Duke, displayed during
intensive action against overwhelming odds,
reflect the highest credit upon himself, the
infantry, and the U.S. Army. *EDWARDS,
JUNIOR D. Rank and
organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, Company E, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Changbong-ni, Korea, 2 January 1951. Entered
service at: Indianola, Iowa. Born: 7 October
1926, Indianola, Iowa. G.O. No.: 13, 1
February 1952. Citation: Sfc. Edwards,
Company E, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. When his platoon, while
assisting in the defense of a strategic
hill, was forced out of its position and
came under vicious raking fire from an enemy
machine gun set up on adjacent high ground,
Sfc. Edwards individually charged the
hostile emplacement, throwing grenades as he
advanced. The enemy withdrew but returned to
deliver devastating fire when he had
expended his ammunition. Securing a fresh
supply of grenades, he again charged the
emplacement, neutralized the weapon and
killed the crew, but was forced back by
hostile small-arms fire. When the enemy
emplaced another machine gun and resumed
fire, Sfc. Edwards again renewed his supply
of grenades, rushed a third time through a
vicious hail of fire, silenced this second
gun and annihilated its crew. In this third
daring assault he was mortally wounded but
his indomitable courage and successful
action enabled his platoon to regain and
hold the vital strongpoint. Sfc. Edwards'
consummate valor and gallant self-sacrifice
reflect the utmost glory upon himself and
are in keeping with the esteemed traditions
of the infantry and military service. *ESSEBAGGER,
JOHN, JR. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company
A, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry
Division. Place and date: Near Popsudong,
Korea, 25 April 1951. Entered service at:
Holland, Mich. Born: 29 October 1928,
Holland, Mich. G.O. No.: 61, 24 April 1952.
Citation: Cpl. Essebagger, a member of
Company A, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and outstanding
courage above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. Committed to
effect a delaying action to cover the 3d
Battalion's withdrawal through Company A,
Cpl. Essebagger, a member of 1 of 2 squads
maintaining defensive positions in key
terrain and defending the company's right
flank, had participated in repulsing
numerous attacks. In a frenzied banzai
charge the numerically superior enemy
seriously threatened the security of the
planned route of withdrawal and isolation of
the small force. Badly shaken, the grossly
outnumbered detachment started to fall back
and Cpl. Essebagger, realizing the impending
danger, voluntarily remained to provide
security for the withdrawal. Gallantly
maintaining a l-man stand, Cpl. Essebagger
raked the menacing hordes with crippling
fire and, with the foe closing on the
position, left the comparative safety of his
shelter and advanced in the face of
overwhelming odds, firing his weapon and
hurling grenades to disconcert the enemy and
afford time for displacement of friendly
elements to more tenable positions. Scorning
the withering fire and bursting shells, Cpl.
Essebagger continued to move forward,
inflicting destruction upon the fanatical
foe until he was mortally wounded. Cpl.
Essebagger's intrepid action and supreme
sacrifice exacted a heavy toll in enemy dead
and wounded, stemmed the onslaught, and
enabled the retiring squads to reach safety.
His valorous conduct and devotion to duty
reflected lasting glory upon himself and was
in keeping with the noblest traditions of
the infantry and the U.S. Army. *FAITH, DON
C., JR. Rank and
organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army,
commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 32d
Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Vicinity Hagaru-ri, Northern
Korea, 27 November to 1 December 1950.
Entered service at: Washington, Ind. Born:
26 August 1918, Washington, Ind. G.O. No.:
59, 2 August 1951. Citation: Lt. Col. Faith,
commanding 1st Battalion, distinguished
himself conspicuously by gallantry and
intrepidity in action above and beyond the
call of duty in the area of the Chosin
Reservoir. When the enemy launched a
fanatical attack against his battalion, Lt.
Col. Faith unhesitatingly exposed himself to
heavy enemy fire as he moved about directing
the action. When the enemy penetrated the
positions, Lt. Col. Faith personally led
counterattacks to restore the position.
During an attack by his battalion to effect
a junction with another U.S. unit, Lt. Col.
Faith reconnoitered the route for, and
personally directed, the first elements of
his command across the ice-covered reservoir
and then directed the movement of his
vehicles which were loaded with wounded
until all of his command had passed through
the enemy fire. Having completed this he
crossed the reservoir himself. Assuming
command of the force his unit had joined he
was given the mission of attacking to join
friendly elements to the south. Lt. Col.
Faith, although physically exhausted in the
bitter cold, organized and launched an
attack which was soon stopped by enemy fire.
He ran forward under enemy small-arms and
automatic weapons fire, got his men on their
feet and personally led the fire attack as
it blasted its way through the enemy ring.
As they came to a hairpin curve, enemy fire
from a roadblock again pinned the column
down. Lt. Col. Faith organized a group of
men and directed their attack on the enemy
positions on the right flank. He then placed
himself at the head of another group of men
and in the face of direct enemy fire led an
attack on the enemy roadblock, firing his
pistol and throwing grenades. When he had
reached a position approximately 30 yards
from the roadblock he was mortally wounded,
but continued to direct the attack until the
roadblock was overrun. Throughout the 5 days
of action Lt. Col. Faith gave no thought to
his safety and did not spare himself. His
presence each time in the position of
greatest danger was an inspiration to his
men. Also, the damage he personally
inflicted firing from his position at the
head of his men was of material assistance
on several occasions. Lt. Col. Faith's
outstanding gallantry and noble
self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of
duty reflect the highest honor on him and
are in keeping with the highest traditions
of the U.S. Army. (This award supersedes the
prior award of the Silver Star (First Oak
Leaf Cluster) as announced in G.O. No. 32,
Headquarters X Corps, dated 23 February
1951, for gallantry in action on 27 November
1950.) *GARCIA,
FERNANDO LUIS Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company I, 3d Battalion,
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 5
September 1952. Entered service at: San
Juan, P.R. Born: 14 October 1929,
Utuado, P.R. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a member of
Company I, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. While participating in
the defense of a combat outpost located
more than 1 mile forward of the main
line of resistance during a savage night
attack by a fanatical enemy force
employing grenades, mortars, and
artillery, Pfc. Garcia, although
suffering painful wounds, moved through
the intense hail of hostile fire to a
supply point to secure more
handgrenades. Quick to act when a
hostile grenade landed nearby,
endangering the life of another marine,
as well as his own, he unhesitatingly
chose to sacrifice himself and
immediately threw his body upon the
deadly missile, receiving the full
impact of the explosion. His great
personal valor and cool decision in the
face of almost certain death sustain and
enhance the finest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country. *GEORGE,
CHARLES Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company C, 179th Infantry
Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Songnae-dong, Korea, 30
November 1952. Entered service at:
Whittier, N.C. Born: 23 August 1932,
Cherokee, N.C. G.O. NO.: 19, 18 March
1954. Citation: Pfc. George, a member of
Company C, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and outstanding
courage above and beyond the call of
duty in action against the enemy on the
night of 30 November 1952. He was a
member of a raiding party committed to
engage the enemy and capture a prisoner
for interrogation. Forging up the rugged
slope of the key terrain feature, the
group was subjected to intense mortar
and machine gun fire and suffered
several casualties. Throughout the
advance, he fought valiantly and, upon
reaching the crest of the hill, leaped
into the trenches and closed with the
enemy in hand-to-hand combat. When
friendly troops were ordered to move
back upon completion of the assignment,
he and 2 comrades remained to cover the
withdrawal. While in the process of
leaving the trenches a hostile soldier
hurled a grenade into their midst. Pfc.
George shouted a warning to 1 comrade,
pushed the other soldier out of danger,
and, with full knowledge of the
consequences, unhesitatingly threw
himself upon the grenade, absorbing the
full blast of the explosion. Although
seriously wounded in this display of
valor, he refrained from any outcry
which would divulge the position of his
companions. The 2 soldiers evacuated him
to the forward aid station and shortly
thereafter he succumbed to his wound.
Pfc. George's indomitable courage,
consummate devotion to duty, and willing
self-sacrifice reflect the highest
credit upon himself and uphold the
finest traditions of the military
service.
*GILLILAND, CHARLES L. Rank and
organization: Corporal (then Pfc.), U.S.
Army, Company I, 7th Infantry Regiment,
3d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Tongmang-ni, Korea, 25 April 1951.
Entered service at: Yellville (Marion
County), Ark. Born: 24 May 1933,
Mountain Home, Ark. G.O. No.: 2, 11
January 1955. Citation: Cpl. Gilliland,
a member of Company I, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the
enemy. A numerically superior hostile
force launched a coordinated assault
against his company perimeter, the brunt
of which was directed up a defile
covered by his automatic rifle. His
assistant was killed by enemy fire but
Cpl. Gilliland, facing the full force of
the assault, poured a steady fire into
the foe which stemmed the onslaught.
When 2 enemy soldiers escaped his raking
fire and infiltrated the sector, he
leaped from his foxhole, overtook and
killed them both with his pistol.
Sustaining a serious head wound in this
daring exploit, he refused medical
attention and returned to his
emplacement to continue his defense of
the vital defile. His unit was ordered
back to new defensive positions but Cpl.
Gilliland volunteered to remain to cover
the withdrawal and hold the enemy at
bay. His heroic actions and indomitable
devotion to duty prevented the enemy
from completely overrunning his company
positions. Cpl. Gilliland's incredible
valor and supreme sacrifice reflect
lasting glory upon himself and are in
keeping with the honored traditions of
the military service. *GOMEZ,
EDWARD Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Reserve, Company E, 2d
Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea,
Hill 749, 14 September 1951. Entered
service at: Omaha, Nebr. Born: 10 August
1932, Omaha, Nebr. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving as an
ammunition bearer in Company E, in
action against enemy aggressor forces.
Bolding advancing with his squad in
support of a group of riflemen
assaulting a series of strongly
fortified and bitterly defended hostile
positions on Hill 749, Pfc. Gomez
consistently exposed himself to the
withering barrage to keep his machine
gun supplied with ammunition during the
drive forward to seize the objective. As
his squad deployed to meet an imminent
counterattack, he voluntarily moved down
an abandoned trench to search for a new
location for the gun and, when a hostile
grenade landed between himself and his
weapon, shouted a warning to those
around him as he grasped the activated
charge in his hand. Determined to save
his comrades, he unhesitatingly chose to
sacrifice himself and, diving into the
ditch with the deadly missile, absorbed
the shattering violence of the explosion
in his body. By his stouthearted
courage, incomparable valor, and
decisive spirit of self-sacrifice, Pfc.
Gomez inspired the others to heroic
efforts in subsequently repelling the
outnumbering foe, and his valiant
conduct throughout sustained and
enhanced the finest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country.
*GOODBLOOD, CLAIR Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Company D, 7th Infantry Regiment. Place
and date: Near Popsu-dong, Korea, 24 and
25 April 1951. Entered service at:
Burnham, Maine. Born: 18 September 1929,
Fort Kent, Maine. G.O. No.: 14, 1
February 1952. Citation: Cpl. Goodblood,
a member of Company D, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty in
action against an armed enemy of the
United Nations. Cpl. Goodblood, a
machine gunner, was attached to Company
B in defensive positions on thickly
wooded key terrain under attack by a
ruthless foe. In bitter fighting which
ensued, the numerically superior enemy
infiltrated the perimeter, rendering the
friendly positions untenable. Upon order
to move back, Cpl. Goodblood voluntarily
remained to cover the withdrawal and,
constantly vulnerable to heavy fire,
inflicted withering destruction on the
assaulting force. Seeing a grenade
lobbed at his position, he shoved his
assistant to the ground and flinging
himself upon the soldier attempted to
shield him. Despite his valorous act
both men were wounded. Rejecting aid for
himself, he ordered the ammunition
bearer to evacuate the injured man for
medical treatment. He fearlessly
maintained his l-man defense, sweeping
the onrushing assailants with fire until
an enemy banzai charge carried the hill
and silenced his gun. When friendly
elements regained the commanding ground,
Cpl. Goodblood's body was found lying
beside his gun and approximately 100
hostile dead lay in the wake of his
field of fire. Through his unflinching
courage and willing self-sacrifice the
onslaught was retarded, enabling his
unit to withdraw, regroup, and resecure
the strongpoint. Cpl. Goodblood's
inspirational conduct and devotion to
duty reflect lasting glory on himself
and are in keeping with the noble
traditions of the military service. *GUILLEN,
AMBROSIO Rank and
organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Near
Songuch-on, Korea, 25 July 1953. Entered
service at: El Paso, Tex. Born: 7
December 1929, La Junta, Colo. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a platoon sergeant of Company
F in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Participating in the defense of
an outpost forward of the main line of
resistance, S/Sgt. Guillen maneuvered
his platoon over unfamiliar terrain in
the face of hostile fire and placed his
men in fighting positions. With his unit
pinned down when the outpost was
attacked under cover of darkness by an
estimated force of 2 enemy battalions
supported by mortar and artillery fire,
he deliberately exposed himself to the
heavy barrage and attacks to direct his
men in defending their positions and
personally supervise the treatment and
evacuation of the wounded. Inspired by
his leadership, the platoon quickly
rallied and engaged the enemy in fierce
hand-to-hand combat. Although critically
wounded during the course of the battle,
S/Sgt. Guillen refused medical aid and
continued to direct his men throughout
the remainder of the engagement until
the enemy was defeated and thrown into
disorderly retreat. Succumbing to his
wounds within a few hours, S/Sgt.
Guillen, by his outstanding courage and
indomitable fighting spirit, was
directly responsible for the success of
his platoon in repelling a numerically
superior enemy force. His personal valor
reflects the highest credit upon himself
and enhances the finest traditions of
the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country. *HAMMOND,
FRANCIS C. Rank and
organization: Hospital Corpsman, U.S.
Navy, attached as a medical corpsman to
1st Marine Division. Place and date:
Korea, 26-27 March 1953. Entered service
at: Alexandria, Va. Birth: Alexandria,
Va. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty as a
HC serving with the 1st Marine Division
in action against enemy aggressor forces
on the night of 26-27 March 1953. After
reaching an intermediate objective
during a counterattack against a heavily
entrenched and numerically superior
hostile force occupying ground on a
bitterly contested outpost far in
advance of the main line of resistance,
HC Hammond's platoon was subjected to a
murderous barrage of hostile mortar and
artillery fire, followed by a vicious
assault by onrushing enemy troops.
Resolutely advancing through the
veritable curtain of fire to aid his
stricken comrades, HC Hammond moved
among the stalwart garrison of marines
and, although critically wounded
himself, valiantly continued to
administer aid to the other wounded
throughout an exhausting 4-hour period.
When the unit was ordered to withdraw,
he skillfully directed the evacuation of
casualties and remained in the
fire-swept area to assist the corpsmen
of the relieving unit until he was
struck by a round of enemy mortar fire
and fell, mortally wounded. By his
exceptional fortitude, inspiring
initiative and self-sacrificing efforts,
HC Hammond undoubtedly saved the lives
of many marines. His great personal
valor in the face of overwhelming odds
enhances and sustains the finest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
*HAMMOND,
LESTER, JR. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Company A, 187th Airborne Regimental
Combat Team. Place and date: Near
Kumwha, Korea, 14 August 1952. Entered
service at: Quincy, Ill. Born: 25 March
1931, Wayland, Mo. G.O. No.: 63, 17
August 1953. Citation: Cpl. Hammond, a
radio operator with Company A,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and outstanding courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. Cpl. Hammond was a
member of a 6 man reconnaissance patrol
which had penetrated approximately 3,500
yards into enemy-held territory.
Ambushed and partially surrounded by a
large hostile force, the small group
opened fire, then quickly withdrew up a
narrow ravine in search of protective
cover. Despite a wound sustained in the
initial exchange of fire and imminent
danger of being overrun by the
numerically superior foe, he refused to
seek shelter and, remaining in an
exposed place, called for artillery fire
to support a defensive action.
Constantly vulnerable to enemy
observation and action, he coordinated
and directed crippling fire on the
assailants, inflicting heavy casualties
and repulsing several attempts to
overrun friendly positions. Although
wounded a second time, he remained
steadfast and maintained his stand until
mortally wounded. His indomitable
fighting spirit set an inspiring example
of valor to his comrades and, through
his actions, the onslaught was stemmed,
enabling a friendly platoon to reach the
beleaguered patrol, evacuate the
wounded, and effect a safe withdrawal to
friendly lines. Cpl. Hammond's
unflinching courage and consummate
devotion to duty reflect lasting glory
on himself and uphold the finest
traditions of the military service .
*HANDRICH, MELVIN O. Rank and
organization: Master Sergeant, U.S.
Army, Company C, 5th Infantry Regiment.
Place and date: Near Sobuk San Mountain,
Korea, 25 and 26 August 1950. Entered
service at: Manawa, Wis. Born: 26
January 1919, Manawa, Wis. G.O. No.: 60,
2 August 1951. Citation: M/Sgt.
Handrich, Company C, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty in action. His company was engaged
in repulsing an estimated 150 enemy who
were threatening to overrun its
position. Near midnight on 25 August, a
hostile group over 100 strong attempted
to infiltrate the company perimeter.
M/Sgt. Handrich, despite the heavy enemy
fire, voluntarily left the comparative
safety of the defensive area and moved
to a forward position where he could
direct mortar and artillery fire upon
the advancing enemy. He remained at this
post for 8 hours directing fire against
the enemy who often approached to within
50 feet of his position. Again, on the
morning of 26 August, another strong
hostile force made an attempt to overrun
the company's position. With complete
disregard for his safety, M/Sgt.
Handrich rose to his feet and from this
exposed position fired his rifle and
directed mortar and artillery fire on
the attackers. At the peak of this
action he observed elements of his
company preparing to withdraw. He
perilously made his way across
fire-swept terrain to the defense area
where, by example and forceful
leadership, he reorganized the men to
continue the fight. During the action
M/Sgt. Handrich was severely wounded.
Refusing to take cover or be evacuated,
he returned to his forward position and
continued to direct the company's fire.
Later a determined enemy attack overran
M/Sgt. Handrich's position and he was
mortally wounded. When the position was
retaken, over 70 enemy dead were counted
in the area he had so intrepidly
defended. M/Sgt. Handrich's sustained
personal bravery, consummate courage,
and gallant self-sacrifice reflect
untold glory upon himself and the heroic
traditions of the military service. *HANSON,
JACK G. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company F, 31st Infantry Regiment.
Place and date: Near Pachi-dong, Korea,
7 June 1951. Entered service at:
Galveston, Tex. Born: 18 September 1930,
Escaptawpa, Miss. G.O. No.: 15, 1
February 1952. Citation: Pfc. Hanson, a
machine gunner with the 1st Platoon,
Company F, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty in action against an
armed enemy of the United Nations. The
company, in defensive positions on two
strategic hills separated by a wide
saddle, was ruthlessly attacked at
approximately 0300 hours, the brunt of
which centered on the approach to the
divide within range of Pfc. Hanson's
machine gun. In the initial phase of the
action, 4 riflemen were wounded and
evacuated and the numerically superior
enemy, advancing under cover of
darkness, infiltrated and posed an
imminent threat to the security of the
command post and weapons platoon. Upon
orders to move to key terrain above and
to the right of Pfc. Hanson's position,
he voluntarily remained to provide
protective fire for the withdrawal.
Subsequent to the retiring elements
fighting a rearguard action to the new
location, it was learned that Pfc.
Hanson's assistant gunner and 3 riflemen
had been wounded and had crawled to
safety, and that he was maintaining a
lone-man defense. After the 1st Platoon
reorganized, counterattacked, and
resecured its original positions at
approximately 0530 hours, Pfc. Hanson's
body was found lying in front of his
emplacement, his machine gun ammunition
expended, his empty pistol in his right
hand, and a machete with blood on the
blade in his left hand, and
approximately 22 enemy dead lay in the
wake of his action. Pfc. Hanson's
consummate valor, inspirational conduct,
and willing self-sacrifice enabled the
company to contain the enemy and regain
the commanding ground, and reflect
lasting glory on himself and the noble
traditions of the military service. *HARTELL,
LEE R. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, Battery A, 15th Field Artillery
Battalion, 2d Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Kobangsan-ni, Korea, 27
August 1951. Entered service at:
Danbury, Conn. Birth: Philadelphia, Pa.
G.O. No.: 16, 1 February 1952. Citation:
1st. Lt. Hartell, a member of Battery A,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty in action against an armed enemy of
the United Nations. During the darkness
of early morning, the enemy launched a
ruthless attack against friendly
positions on a rugged mountainous ridge.
1st Lt. Hartell, attached to Company B,
9th Infantry Regiment, as forward
observer, quickly moved his radio to an
exposed vantage on the ridge line to
adjust defensive fires. Realizing the
tactical advantage of illuminating the
area of approach, he called for flares
and then directed crippling fire into
the onrushing assailants. At this
juncture a large force of hostile troops
swarmed up the slope in banzai charge
and came within 10 yards of 1st Lt.
Hartell's position. 1st Lt. Hartell
sustained a severe hand wound in the
ensuing encounter but grasped the
microphone with his other hand and
maintained his magnificent stand until
the front and left flank of the company
were protected by a close-in wall of
withering fire, causing the fanatical
foe to disperse and fall back
momentarily. After the numerically
superior enemy overran an outpost and
was closing on his position, 1st Lt.
Hartell, in a final radio call, urged
the friendly elements to fire both
batteries continuously. Although
mortally wounded, 1st Lt. Hartell's
intrepid actions contributed
significantly to stemming the onslaught
and enabled his company to maintain the
strategic strongpoint. His consummate
valor and unwavering devotion to duty
reflect lasting glory on himself and
uphold the noble traditions of the
military service. HARVEY,
RAYMOND Rank and
organization: Captain, U.S. Army,
Company C, 17th Infantry Regiment. Place
and date: Vicinity of Taemi-Dong, Korea,
9 March 1951. Entered service at:
Pasadena, Calif. Born: 1 March 1920 Ford
City, Pa. G.O. No.: 67, 2 August 1951.
Citation: Capt. Harvey Company C,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action. When
his company was pinned down by a barrage
of automatic weapons fire from numerous
well-entrenched emplacements, imperiling
accomplishment of its mission, Capt.
Harvey braved a hail of fire and
exploding grenades to advance to the
first enemy machine gun nest, killing
its crew with grenades. Rushing to the
edge of the next emplacement, he killed
its crew with carbine fire. He then
moved the 1st Platoon forward until it
was again halted by a curtain of
automatic fire from well fortified
hostile positions. Disregarding the hail
of fire, he personally charged and
neutralized a third emplacement.
Miraculously escaping death from intense
crossfire, Capt. Harvey continued to
lead the assault. Spotting an enemy
pillbox well camouflaged by logs, he
moved close enough to sweep the
emplacement with carbine fire and throw
grenades through the openings,
annihilating its 5 occupants. Though
wounded he then turned to order the
company forward, and, suffering
agonizing pain, he continued to direct
the reduction of the remaining hostile
positions, refusing evacuation until
assured that the mission would be
accomplished. Capt. Harvey's valorous
and intrepid actions served as an
inspiration to his company, reflecting
the utmost glory upon himself and
upholding the heroic traditions of the
military service. *HENRY,
FREDERICK F. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment.
Place and date: Vicinity of Am-Dong,
Korea, 1 September 1950. Entered service
at: Clinton, Okla. Birth: Vian, Okla.
G.O. No.: 8, 16 February 1951. Citation:
1st Lt. Henry, Company F, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty in action. His platoon was holding
a strategic ridge near the town when
they were attacked by a superior enemy
force, supported by heavy mortar and
artillery fire. Seeing his platoon
disorganized by this fanatical assault,
he left his foxhole and moving along the
line ordered his men to stay in place
and keep firing. Encouraged by this
heroic action the platoon reformed a
defensive line and rained devastating
fire on the enemy, checking its advance.
Enemy fire had knocked out all
communications and 1st Lt. Henry was
unable to determine whether or not the
main line of resistance was altered to
this heavy attack. On his own
initiative, although severely wounded,
he decided to hold his position as long
as possible and ordered the wounded
evacuated and their weapons and
ammunition brought to him. Establishing
a l-man defensive position, he ordered
the platoon's withdrawal and despite his
wound and with complete disregard for
himself remained behind to cover the
movement. When last seen he was
single-handedly firing all available
weapons so effectively that he caused an
estimated 50 enemy casualties. His
ammunition was soon expended and his
position overrun, but this intrepid
action saved the platoon and halted the
enemy's advance until the main line of
resistance was prepared to throw back
the attack. 1st Lt. Henry's outstanding
gallantry and noble self-sacrifice above
and beyond the call of duty reflect the
highest honor on him and are in keeping
with the esteemed traditions of the U.S.
Army.
HERNANDEZ, RODOLFO P. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Company G, 187th Airborne Regimental
Combat Team. Place and date: Near
Wontong-ni, Korea, 31 May 1951. Entered
service at: Fowler, Calif. Born: 14
April 1931, Colton, Calif. G.O. No.: 40,
21 April 1962. Citation: Cpl. Hernandez,
a member of Company G, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty in action against the enemy. His
platoon, in defensive positions on Hill
420, came under ruthless attack by a
numerically superior and fanatical
hostile force, accompanied by heavy
artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire
which inflicted numerous casualties on
the platoon. His comrades were forced to
withdraw due to lack of ammunition but
Cpl. Hernandez, although wounded in an
exchange of grenades, continued to
deliver deadly fire into the ranks of
the onrushing assailants until a
ruptured cartridge rendered his rifle
inoperative. Immediately leaving his
position, Cpl. Hernandez rushed the
enemy armed only with rifle and bayonet.
Fearlessly engaging the foe, he killed 6
of the enemy before falling unconscious
from grenade, bayonet, and bullet wounds
but his heroic action momentarily halted
the enemy advance and enabled his unit
to counterattack and retake the lost
ground. The indomitable fighting spirit,
outstanding courage, and tenacious
devotion to duty clearly demonstrated by
Cpl. Hernandez reflect the highest
credit upon himself, the infantry, and
the U.S. Army. HUDNER,
THOMAS JEROME, JR. Rank and
organization: Lieutenant (J.G.) U.S.
Navy, pilot in Fighter Squadron 32,
attached to U.S.S. Leyte. Place and
date: Chosin Reservoir area of Korea, 4
December 1950. Entered service at: Fall
River, Mass. Born: 31 August 1924, Fall
River, Mass. Citation. For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty as a pilot in Fighter Squadron 32,
while attempting to rescue a squadron
mate whose plane struck by antiaircraft
fire and trailing smoke, was forced down
behind enemy lines. Quickly maneuvering
to circle the downed pilot and protect
him from enemy troops infesting the
area, Lt. (J.G.) Hudner risked his life
to save the injured flier who was
trapped alive in the burning wreckage.
Fully aware of the extreme danger in
landing on the rough mountainous terrain
and the scant hope of escape or survival
in subzero temperature, he put his plane
down skillfully in a deliberate
wheels-up landing in the presence of
enemy troops. With his bare hands, he
packed the fuselage with snow to keep
the flames away from the pilot and
struggled to pull him free. Unsuccessful
in this, he returned to his crashed
aircraft and radioed other airborne
planes, requesting that a helicopter be
dispatched with an ax and fire
extinguisher. He then remained on the
spot despite the continuing danger from
enemy action and, with the assistance of
the rescue pilot, renewed a desperate
but unavailing battle against time,
cold, and flames. Lt. (J.G.) Hudner's
exceptionally valiant action and
selfless devotion to a shipmate sustain
and enhance the highest traditions of
the U.S. Naval Service. INGMAN,
EINAR H., JR. Rank and
organization: Sergeant (then Cpl.), U.S.
Army, Company E, 17th Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Maltari, Korea, 26 February 1951.
Entered service at: Tomahawk, Wis. Born:
6 October 1929, Milwaukee, Wis. G.O.
No.: 68, 2 August 1951. Citation: Sgt.
Ingman, a member of Company E,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. The 2 leading squads
of the assault platoon of his company,
while attacking a strongly fortified
ridge held by the enemy, were pinned
down by withering fire and both squad
leaders and several men were wounded.
Cpl. Ingman assumed command, reorganized
and combined the 2 squads, then moved
from 1 position to another, designating
fields of fire and giving advice and
encouragement to the men. Locating an
enemy machine gun position that was
raking his men with devastating fire he
charged it alone, threw a grenade into
the position, and killed the remaining
crew with rifle fire. Another enemy
machine gun opened fire approximately 15
yards away and inflicted additional
casualties to the group and stopped the
attack. When Cpl. Ingman charged the
second position he was hit by grenade
fragments and a hail of fire which
seriously wounded him about the face and
neck and knocked him to the ground. With
incredible courage and stamina, he arose
instantly and, using only his rifle,
killed the entire guncrew before falling
unconscious from his wounds. As a result
of the singular action by Cpl. Ingman
the defense of the enemy was broken, his
squad secured its objective, and more
than 100 hostile troops abandoned their
weapons and fled in disorganized
retreat. Cpl. Ingman's indomitable
courage, extraordinary heroism, and
superb leadership reflect the highest
credit on himself and are in keeping
with the esteemed traditions of the
infantry and the U.S. Army. *JECELIN,
WILLIAM R. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army,
Company C, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Saga, Korea, 19 September 1950. Entered
service at: Baltimore, Md. Birth:
Baltimore, Md. G.O. No.: 24, 25 April
1951. Citation: Sgt. Jecelin, Company C,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and Intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. His company was
ordered to secure a prominent,
sawtoothed ridge from a well-entrenched
and heavily armed enemy. Unable to
capture the objective in the first
attempt, a frontal and flanking assault
was launched. He led his platoon through
heavy enemy fire and bursting shells,
across ricefields and rocky terrain, in
direct frontal attack on the ridge in
order to draw fire away from the flanks.
The unit advanced to the base of the
cliff, where intense, accurate hostile
fire stopped the attack. Realizing that
an assault was the only solution, Sgt.
Jecelin rose from his position firing
his rifle and throwing grenades as he
called on his men to follow him. Despite
the intense enemy fire this attack
carried to the crest of the ridge where
the men were forced to take cover. Again
he rallied his men and stormed the enemy
strongpoint. With fixed bayonets they
charged into the face of antitank fire
and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand
combat. After clubbing and slashing this
force into submission the platoon was
forced to take cover from direct frontal
fire of a self-propelled gun. Refusing
to be stopped he leaped to his feet and
through sheer personal courage and
fierce determination led his men in a
new attack. At this instant a
well-camouflaged enemy soldier threw a
grenade at the remaining members of the
platoon. He immediately lunged and
covered the grenade with his body,
absorbing the full force of the
explosion to save those around him. This
incredible courage and willingness to
sacrifice himself for his comrades so
imbued them with fury that they
completely eliminated the enemy force.
Sgt. Jecelin's heroic leadership and
outstanding gallantry reflect the
highest credit upon himself and uphold
the esteemed traditions of the military
service. *JOHNSON,
JAMES E. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company J, 3d Battalion, 7th
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
Place and date: Yudam-ni, Korea, 2
December 1950 (declared missing in
action on 2 December 1950, and killed in
action as of 2 November 1953). Entered
service at: Washington, D.C. Born: 1
January 1926, Pocatello, Idaho.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a squad leader in a
provisional rifle platoon composed of
artillerymen and attached to Company J,
in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Vastly outnumbered by a
well-entrenched and cleverly concealed
enemy force wearing the uniforms of
friendly troops and attacking his
platoon's open and unconcealed
positions, Sgt. Johnson unhesitatingly
took charge of his platoon in the
absence of the leader and, exhibiting
great personal valor in the face of a
heavy barrage of hostile fire, coolly
proceeded to move about among his men,
shouting words of encouragement and
inspiration and skillfully directing
their fire. Ordered to displace his
platoon during the fire fight, he
immediately placed himself in an
extremely hazardous position from which
he could provide covering fire for his
men. Fully aware that his voluntary
action meant either certain death or
capture to himself, he courageously
continued to provide effective cover for
his men and was last observed in a
wounded condition single-handedly
engaging enemy troops in close hand
grenade and hand-to-hand fighting. By
his valiant and inspiring leadership,
Sgt. Johnson was directly responsible
for the successful completion of the
platoon's displacement and the saving of
many lives. His dauntless fighting
spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty
in the face of terrific odds reflect the
highest credit upon himself and the U.S.
Naval Service. *JORDAN,
MACK A. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company K 21st Infantry Regiment,
24th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Kumsong, Korea, 15 November 1951.
Entered service at: Collins, Miss Born:
8 December 1928, Collins, Miss. G.O.
No.: 3, 8 January 1953 Citation: Pfc.
Jordan, a member of Company K,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and indomitable courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. As a squad leader of
the 3d Platoon, he was participating in
a night attack on key terrain against a
fanatical hostile force when the advance
was halted by intense small-arms and
automatic-weapons fire and a vicious
barrage of handgrenades. Upon orders for
the platoon to withdraw and reorganize,
Pfc. Jordan voluntarily remained behind
to provide covering fire. Crawling
toward an enemy machine gun emplacement,
he threw 3 grenades and neutralized the
gun. He then rushed the position
delivering a devastating hail of fire,
killing several of the enemy and forcing
the remainder to fall back to new
positions. He courageously attempted to
move forward to silence another machine
gun but, before he could leave his
position, the ruthless foe hurled
explosives down the hill and in the
ensuing blast both legs were severed.
Despite mortal wounds, he continued to
deliver deadly fire and held off the
assailants until the platoon returned.
Pfc. Jordan's unflinching courage and
gallant self-sacrifice reflect lasting
glory upon himself and uphold the noble
traditions of the infantry and the
military service. *KANELL,
BILLIE G. Rank and
organization: Private, U.S. Army,
Company I, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Pyongyang, Korea, 7 September 1951.
Entered service at: Poplar Bluff, Mo.
Born: 26 June 1931, Poplar Bluff, Mo.
G.O. No.: 57, 13 June 1952. Citation:
Pvt. Kanell, a member of Company I,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and outstanding courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. A numerically
superior hostile force had launched a
fanatical assault against friendly
positions, supported by mortar and
artillery fire, when Pvt. Kanell stood
in his emplacement exposed to enemy
observation and action and delivered
accurate fire into the ranks of the
assailants. An enemy grenade was hurled
into his emplacement and Pvt. Kanell
threw himself upon the grenade,
absorbing the blast with his body to
protect 2 of his comrades from serious
injury and possible death. A few seconds
later another grenade was thrown into
the emplacement and, although seriously
wounded by the first missile, he
summoned his waning strength to roll
toward the second grenade and used his
body as a shield to again protect his
comrades. He was mortally wounded as a
result of his heroic actions. His
indomitable courage, sustained fortitude
against overwhelming odds, and gallant
self-sacrifice reflect the highest
credit upon himself, the infantry, and
the U.S. Army. *KAUFMAN,
LOREN R. Rank and
organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment.
Place and date: Near Yongsan, Korea, 4
and 5 September 1950. Entered service
at: The Dalles, Oreg. Born: 27 July
1923, The Dalles, Oreg. G.O. No.: 61, 2
August 1951. Citation: Sfc. Kaufman
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action. On
the night of 4 September the company was
in a defensive position on 2 adjoining
hills. His platoon was occupying a
strong point 2 miles away protecting the
battalion flank. Early on 5 September
the company was attacked by an enemy
battalion and his platoon was ordered to
reinforce the company. As his unit moved
along a ridge it encountered a hostile
encircling force. Sfc. Kaufman, running
forward, bayoneted the lead scout and
engaged the column in a rifle and
grenade assault. His quick Vicious
attack so surprised the enemy that they
retreated in confusion. When his platoon
joined the company he discovered that
the enemy had taken commanding ground
and pinned the company down in a draw.
Without hesitation Sfc. Kaufman charged
the enemy lines firing his rifle and
throwing grenades. During the action, he
bayoneted 2 enemy and seizing an
unmanned machine gun, delivered deadly
fire on the defenders. Following this
encounter the company regrouped and
resumed the attack. Leading the assault
he reached the ridge, destroyed a
hostile machine gun position, and routed
the remaining enemy. Pursuing the
hostile troops he bayoneted 2 more and
then rushed a mortar position shooting
the gunners. Remnants of the enemy fled
to a village and Sfc. Kaufman led a
patrol into the town, dispersed them,
and burned the buildings. The dauntless
courage and resolute intrepid leadership
of Sfc. Kaufman were directly
responsible for the success of his
company in regaining its positions,
reflecting distinct credit upon himself
and upholding the esteemed traditions of
the military service. Rank and
Organization:Master Sergeant, U.S. Army.
Place and date: Korea, 20 October 1951. *KELLY,
JOHN D. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company C, 1st Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 28 May
1952. Entered service at: Homestead, Pa.
Born: 8 July 1928, Youngstown, Ohio.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a radio operator of Company
C, in action against enemy aggressor
forces. With his platoon pinned down by
a numerically superior enemy force
employing intense mortar, artillery,
small-arms and grenade fire, Pfc. Kelly
requested permission to leave his radio
in the care of another man and to
participate in an assault on enemy key
positions. Fearlessly charging forward
in the face of a murderous hail of
machine gun fire and handgrenades, he
initiated a daring attack against a
hostile strongpoint and personally
neutralized the position, killing 2 of
the enemy. Unyielding in the fact of
heavy odds, he continued forward and
single-handedly assaulted a machine gun
bunker. Although painfully wounded, he
bravely charged the bunker and destroyed
it, killing 3 of the enemy. Courageously
continuing his 1-man assault, he again
stormed forward in a valiant attempt to
wipe out a third bunker and boldly
delivered pointblank fire into the
aperture of the hostile emplacement.
Mortally wounded by enemy fire while
carrying out this heroic action, Pfc.
Kelly, by his great personal valor and
aggressive fighting spirit, inspired his
comrades to sweep on, overrun and secure
the objective. His extraordinary heroism
in the face of almost certain death
reflects the highest credit upon himself
and enhances the finest traditions of
the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country. *KELSO,
JACK WILLIAM Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company I, 3d Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 2
October 1952. Entered service at:
Caruthers, Calif. Born: 23 January 1934,
Madera, Calif. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a rifleman of
Company I, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. When both the platoon
commander and the platoon sergeant
became casualties during the defense of
a vital outpost against a numerically
superior enemy force attacking at night
under cover of intense small-arms,
grenade, and mortar fire, Pfc. Kelso
bravely exposed himself to the hail of
enemy fire in a determined effort to
reorganize the unit and to repel the
onrushing attackers. Forced to seek
cover, along with 4 other marines, in a
nearby bunker which immediately came
under attack, he unhesitatingly picked
up an enemy grenade which landed in the
shelter, rushed out into the open and
hurled it back at the enemy. Although
painfully wounded when the grenade
exploded as it left his hand, and again
forced to seek the protection of the
bunker when the hostile fire became more
intensified Pfc. Kelso refused to remain
in his position of comparative safety
and moved out into the fire-swept area
to return the enemy fire, thereby
permitting the pinned-down marines in
the bunker to escape. Mortally wounded
while providing covering fire for his
comrades, Pfc. Kelso, by his valiant
fighting spirit, aggressive
determination, and self-sacrificing
efforts in behalf of others, served to
inspire all who observed him. His heroic
actions sustain and enhance the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
KENNEMORE, ROBERT S. Rank and
organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division ( Rein
). Place and date: North of Yudam-ni,
Korea, 27 and 28 November 1950. Entered
service at: Greenville, S.C. Born: 21
June 1920, Greenville, S.C. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty as
leader of a machine gun section in
Company E, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. With the company's
defensive perimeter overrun by a
numerically superior hostile force
during a savage night attack north of
Yudam-ni and his platoon commander
seriously wounded, S/Sgt. Kennemore
unhesitatingly assumed command, quickly
reorganized the unit and directed the
men in consolidating the position. When
an enemy grenade landed in the midst of
a machine gun squad, he bravely placed
his foot on the missile and, in the face
of almost certain death, personally
absorbed the full force of the explosion
to prevent injury to his fellow marines.
By his indomitable courage, outstanding
leadership and selfless efforts in
behalf of his comrades, S/Sgt. Kennemore
was greatly instrumental in driving the
enemy from the area and upheld the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. *KILMER,
JOHN E. Rank and
organization: Hospital Corpsman, U.S.
Navy, attached to duty as a medical
corpsman with a Marine rifle company in
the 1st Marine Division. Place and date:
Korea, 13 August 1952. Entered service
at: Houston, Tex. Born: 15 August 1930,
Highland Park, Ill. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty in action against enemy
aggressor forces. With his company
engaged in defending a vitally important
hill position well forward of the main
line of resistance during an assault by
large concentrations of hostile troops,
HC Kilmer repeatedly braved intense
enemy mortar, artillery, and sniper fire
to move from 1 position to another,
administering aid to the wounded and
expediting their evacuation. Painfully
wounded himself when struck by mortar
fragments while moving to the aid of a
casualty, he persisted in his efforts
and inched his way to the side of the
stricken marine through a hail of enemy
shells falling around him. Undaunted by
the devastating hostile fire, he
skillfully administered first aid to his
comrade and, as another mounting barrage
of enemy fire shattered the immediate
area, unhesitatingly shielded the
wounded man with his body. Mortally
wounded by flying shrapnel while
carrying out this heroic action, HC
Kilmer, by his great personal valor and
gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in
saving the life of a comrade, served to
inspire all who observed him. His
unyielding devotion to duty in the face
of heavy odds reflects the highest
credit upon himself and enhances the
finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for
another. *KNIGHT,
NOAH O. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company F, 7th Infantry Regiment,
3d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Kowang-San, Korea, 23 and 24
November 1951. Entered service at:
Jefferson, S.C. Born: 27 October 1929,
Chesterfield County, S.C. G.O. No.: 2, 7
January 1953. Citation: Pfc. Knight, a
member of Company F, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
indomitable courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the
enemy. He occupied a key position in the
defense perimeter when waves of enemy
troops passed through their own
artillery and mortar concentrations and
charged the company position. Two direct
hits from an enemy emplacement
demolished his bunker and wounded him.
Disregarding personal safety, he moved
to a shallow depression for a better
firing vantage. Unable to deliver
effective fire from his defilade
position, he left his shelter, moved
through heavy fire in full view of the
enemy and, firing into the ranks of the
relentless assailants, inflicted
numerous casualties, momentarily
stemming the attack. Later during
another vicious onslaught, he observed
an enemy squad infiltrating the position
and, counterattacking, killed or wounded
the entire group. Expending the last of
his ammunition, he discovered 3 enemy
soldiers entering the friendly position
with demolition charges. Realizing the
explosives would enable the enemy to
exploit the breach, he fearlessly rushed
forward and disabled 2 assailants with
the butt of his rifle when the third
exploded a demolition charge killing the
3 enemy soldiers and mortally wounding
Pfc. Knight. Pfc. Knight's supreme
sacrifice and consummate devotion to
duty reflect lasting glory on himself
and uphold the noble traditions of the
military service. *KOELSCH,
JOHN KELVIN. Rank and
organization: Lieutenant (J.G.), U.S.
Navy, Navy helicopter rescue unit. Place
and date: North Korea, 3 July 1951.
Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif.
Birth: London, England. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving with a
Navy helicopter rescue unit. Although
darkness was rapidly approaching when
information was received that a marine
aviator had been shot down and was
trapped by the enemy in mountainous
terrain deep in hostile territory, Lt.
(J.G.) Koelsch voluntarily flew a
helicopter to the reported position of
the downed airman in an attempt to
effect a rescue. With an almost solid
overcast concealing everything below the
mountain peaks, he descended in his
unarmed and vulnerable aircraft without
the accompanying fighter escort to an
extremely low altitude beneath the cloud
level and began a systematic search.
Despite the increasingly intense enemy
fire, which struck his helicopter on 1
occasion, he persisted in his mission
until he succeeded in locating the
downed pilot, who was suffering from
serious burns on the arms and legs.
While the victim was being hoisted into
the aircraft, it was struck again by an
accurate burst of hostile fire and
crashed on the side of the mountain.
Quickly extricating his crewmen and the
aviator from the wreckage, Lt. (J.G.)
Koelsch led them from the vicinity in an
effort to escape from hostile troops,
evading the enemy forces for 9 days and
rendering such medical attention as
possible to his severely burned
companion until all were captured. Up to
the time of his death while still a
captive of the enemy, Lt. (J.G.) Koelsch
steadfastly refused to aid his captors
in any manner and served to inspire his
fellow prisoners by his fortitude and
consideration for others. His great
personal valor and heroic spirit of
self-sacrifice throughout sustain and
enhance the finest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service. KOUMA,
ERNEST R. Rank and
organization: Master Sergeant (then
Sfc.) U.S. Army, Company A, 72d Tank
Battalion. Place and date: Vicinity of
Agok, Korea, 31 August and 1 September
1950. Entered service at: Dwight, Nebr.
Born: 23 November 1919, Dwight, Nebr.
G.O. No.: 38, 4 June 1951. Citation:
M/Sgt. Kouma, a tank commander in
Company A, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty in action against the
enemy. His unit was engaged in
supporting infantry elements on the
Naktong River front. Near midnight on 31
August, a hostile force estimated at 500
crossed the river and launched a fierce
attack against the infantry positions,
inflicting heavy casualties. A
withdrawal was ordered and his armored
unit was given the mission of covering
the movement until a secondary position
could be established. The enemy assault
overran 2 tanks, destroyed 1 and forced
another to withdraw. Suddenly M/Sgt.
Kouma discovered that his tank was the
only obstacle in the path of the hostile
onslaught. Holding his ground, he gave
fire orders to his crew and remained in
position throughout the night, fighting
off repeated enemy attacks. During 1
fierce assault, the enemy surrounded his
tank and he leaped from the armored
turret, exposing himself to a hail of
hostile fire, manned the .50 caliber
machine gun mounted on the rear deck,
and delivered pointblank fire into the
fanatical foe. His machine gun emptied,
he fired his pistol and threw grenades
to keep the enemy from his tank. After
more than 9 hours of constant combat and
close-in fighting, he withdrew his
vehicle to friendly lines. During the
withdrawal through 8 miles of hostile
territory, M/Sgt. Kouma continued to
inflict casualties upon the enemy and
exhausted his ammunition in destroying 3
hostile machine gun positions. During
this action, M/Sgt. Kouma killed an
estimated 250 enemy soldiers. His
magnificent stand allowed the infantry
sufficient time to reestablish defensive
positions. Rejoining his company,
although suffering intensely from his
wounds, he attempted to resupply his
tank and return to the battle area.
While being evacuated for medical
treatment, his courage was again
displayed when he requested to return to
the front. M/Sgt. Kouma's superb
leadership, heroism, and intense
devotion to duty reflect the highest
credit on himself and uphold the
esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.
*KRZYZOWSKI, EDWARD C. Rank and
organization: Captain, U.S. Army,
Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Tondul, Korea, from 31 August to 3
September 1951. Entered service at:
Cicero, Ill. Born: 16 January 1914,
Chicago, Ill. G.O. No.: 56, 12 June
1952. Citation: Capt. Krzyzowski,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and indomitable courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy as commanding officer
of Company B. Spearheading an assault
against strongly defended Hill 700, his
company came under vicious crossfire and
grenade attack from enemy bunkers.
Creeping up the fire-swept hill, he
personally eliminated 1 bunker with his
grenades and wiped out a second with
carbine fire. Forced to retire to more
tenable positions for the night, the
company, led by Capt. Krzyzowski,
resumed the attack the following day,
gaining several hundred yards and
inflicting numerous casualties.
Overwhelmed by the numerically superior
hostile force, he ordered his men to
evacuate the wounded and move back.
Providing protective fire for their safe
withdrawal, he was wounded again by
grenade fragments, but refused
evacuation and continued to direct the
defense. On 3 September, he led his
valiant unit in another assault which
overran several hostile positions, but
again the company was pinned down by
murderous fire. Courageously advancing
alone to an open knoll to plot mortar
concentrations against the hill, he was
killed instantly by an enemy sniper's
fire. Capt. Krzyzowski's consummate
fortitude, heroic leadership, and
gallant self-sacrifice, so clearly
demonstrated throughout 3 days of bitter
combat, reflect the highest credit and
lasting glory on himself, the infantry,
and the U.S. Army. *KYLE,
DARWIN K. Rank and
organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, Company K, 7th Infantry Regiment,
3d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Kamil-ni, Korea, 16 February 1951.
Entered service at: Racine, W. Va. Born:
1 June 1918, Jenkins, Ky. G.O. No.: 17,
1 February 1952. Citation: 2d Lt. Kyle,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. When his platoon had
been pinned down by intense fire, he
completely exposed himself to move among
and encourage his men to continue the
advance against enemy forces strongly
entrenched on Hill 185. Inspired by his
courageous leadership, the platoon
resumed the advance but was again pinned
down when an enemy machine gun opened
fire, wounding 6 of the men. 2d Lt. Kyle
immediately charged the hostile
emplacement alone, engaged the crew in
hand-to-hand combat, killing all 3.
Continuing on toward the objective, his
platoon suddenly received an intense
automatic-weapons fire from a
well-concealed hostile position on its
right flank. Again leading his men in a
daring bayonet charge against this
position, firing his carbine and
throwing grenades, 2d Lt. Kyle
personally destroyed 4 of the enemy
before he was killed by a burst from an
enemy submachinegun. The extraordinary
heroism and outstanding leadership of 2d
Lt. Kyle, and his gallant
self-sacrifice, reflect the highest
credit upon himself and are in keeping
with the esteemed traditions of the
military service. LEE,
HUBERT L. Rank and
organization: Master Sergeant, U.S.
Army, Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Ip-ori, Korea, 1 February 1951.
Entered service at: Leland, Miss. Born:
2 February 1915, Arburg, Mo. G.O. No.:
21, 5 February 1952. Citation: M/Sgt.
Lee, a member of Company I,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. When his platoon was
forced from its position by a
numerically superior enemy force, and
his platoon leader wounded, M/Sgt. Lee
assumed command, regrouped the remnants
of his unit, and led them in repeated
assaults to regain the position. Within
25 yards of his objective he received a
leg wound from grenade fragments, but
refused assistance and continued the
attack. Although forced to withdraw 5
times, each time he regrouped his
remaining men and renewed the assault.
Moving forward at the head of his small
group in the fifth attempt, he was
struck by an exploding grenade, knocked
to the ground, and seriously wounded in
both legs. Still refusing assistance, he
advanced by crawling, rising to his
knees to fire, and urging his men to
follow. While thus directing the final
assault he was wounded a third time, by
small-arms fire. Persistently continuing
to crawl forward, he directed his men in
a final and successful attack which
regained the vital objective. His
intrepid leadership and determination
led to the destruction of 83 of the
enemy and withdrawal of the remainder,
and was a vital factor in stopping the
enemy attack. M/Sgt. Lee's indomitable
courage, consummate valor, and
outstanding leadership reflect the
highest credit upon himself and are in
keeping with the finest traditions of
the infantry and the U.S. Army. *LIBBY,
GEORGE D. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army,
Company C, 3d Engineer Combat Battalion,
24th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Taejon, Korea, 20 July 1950.
Entered service at: Waterbury, Conn.
Birth: Bridgton, Maine. G.O. No.: 62, 2
August 1951. Citation: Sgt. Libby
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action. While
breaking through an enemy encirclement,
the vehicle in which he was riding
approached an enemy roadblock and
encountered devastating fire which
disabled the truck, killing or wounding
all the passengers except Sgt. Libby.
Taking cover in a ditch Sgt. Libby
engaged the enemy and despite the heavy
fire crossed the road twice to
administer aid to his wounded comrades.
He then hailed a passing M-5 artillery
tractor and helped the wounded aboard.
The enemy directed intense small-arms
fire at the driver, and Sgt. Libby,
realizing that no one else could operate
the vehicle, placed himself between the
driver and the enemy thereby shielding
him while he returned the fire. During
this action he received several wounds
in the arms and body. Continuing through
the town the tractor made frequent stops
and Sgt. Libby helped more wounded
aboard. Refusing first aid, he continued
to shield the driver and return the fire
of the enemy when another roadblock was
encountered. Sgt. Libby received
additional wounds but held his position
until he lost consciousness. Sgt.
Libby's sustained, heroic actions
enabled his comrades to reach friendly
lines. His dauntless courage and gallant
self-sacrifice reflect the highest
credit upon himself and uphold the
esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army.
*LITTLETON, HERBERT A. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve, Company C, 1st
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date:
Chungchon, Korea, 22 April 1951. Entered
service at: Blackhawk, S. Dak. Born: 1
July 1930, Mena, Ark. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving as a
radio operator with an artillery forward
observation team of Company C, in action
against enemy aggressor forces. Standing
watch when a well-concealed and
numerically superior enemy force
launched a violent night attack from
nearby positions against his company,
Pfc. Littleton quickly alerted the
forward observation team and immediately
moved into an advantageous position to
assist in calling down artillery fire on
the hostile force. When an enemy hand
grenade was thrown into his vantage
point shortly after the arrival of the
remainder of the team, he unhesitatingly
hurled himself on the deadly missile,
absorbing its full, shattering impact in
his body. By his prompt action and
heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, he
saved the other members of his team from
serious injury or death and enabled them
to carry on the vital mission which
culminated in the repulse of the hostile
attack. His indomitable valor in the
face of almost certain death reflects
the highest credit upon Pfc. Littleton
and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country. *LONG,
CHARLES R. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army,
Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Hoengsong, Korea, 12 February 1951.
Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo.
Born: 10 December 1923, Kansas City, Mo.
G.O. No.: 18, 1 February 1952. Citation:
Sgt. Long, a member of Company M,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action
against an armed enemy of the United
Nations. When Company M, in a defensive
perimeter on Hill 300, was viciously
attacked by a numerically superior
hostile force at approximately 0300
hours and ordered to withdraw, Sgt.
Long, a forward observer for the mortar
platoon, voluntarily remained at his
post to provide cover by directing
mortar fire on the enemy. Maintaining
radio contact with his platoon, Sgt.
Long coolly directed accurate mortar
fire on the advancing foe. He continued
firing his carbine and throwing
handgrenades until his position was
surrounded and he was mortally wounded.
Sgt. Long's inspirational, valorous
action halted the onslaught, exacted a
heavy toll of enemy casualties, and
enabled his company to withdraw,
reorganize, counterattack, and regain
the hill strongpoint. His unflinching
courage and noble self-sacrifice reflect
the highest credit on himself and are in
keeping with the honored traditions of
the military service. *LOPEZ,
BALDOMERO Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion,
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: During Inchon
invasion in Korea, 15 September 1950.
Entered service at: Tampa, Fla. Born: 23
August 1925, Tampa, Fla. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as a marine platoon
commander of Company A, in action
against enemy aggressor forces. With his
platoon 1st Lt. Lopez was engaged in the
reduction of immediate enemy beach
defenses after landing with the assault
waves. Exposing himself to hostile fire,
he moved forward alongside a bunker and
prepared to throw a hand grenade into
the next pillbox whose fire was pinning
down that sector of the beach. Taken
under fire by an enemy automatic weapon
and hit in the right shoulder and chest
as he lifted his arm to throw, he fell
backward and dropped the deadly missile.
After a moment, he turned and dragged
his body forward in an effort to
retrieve the grenade and throw it. In
critical condition from pain and loss of
blood, and unable to grasp the hand
grenade firmly enough to hurl it, he
chose to sacrifice himself rather than
endanger the lives of his men and, with
a sweeping motion of his wounded right
arm, cradled the grenade under him and
absorbed the full impact of the
explosion. His exceptional courage,
fortitude, and devotion to duty reflect
the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Lopez
and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country. *LORING,
CHARLES J., JR. Rank and
organization: Major, U.S. Air Force,
80th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 8th
Fighter-Bomber Wing. Place and date:
Near Sniper Ridge, North Korea, 22
November 1952. Entered service at:
Portland, Maine. Born: 2 October 1918,
Portland, Maine. Citation: Maj. Loring
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty. While leading a night of 4 F-80
type aircraft on a close support
mission, Maj. Loring was briefed by a
controller to dive-bomb enemy gun
positions which were harassing friendly
ground troops. After verifying the
location of the target, Maj. Loring
rolled into his dive bomb run.
Throughout the run, extremely accurate
ground fire was directed on his
aircraft. Disregarding the accuracy and
intensity of the ground fire, Maj.
Loring aggressively continued to press
the attack until his aircraft was hit.
At approximately 4,000 feet, he
deliberately altered his course and
aimed his diving aircraft at active gun
emplacements concentrated on a ridge
northwest of the briefed target, turned
his aircraft 45 degrees to the left,
pulled up in a deliberate, controlled
maneuver, and elected to sacrifice his
life by diving his aircraft directly
into the midst of the enemy
emplacements. His selfless and heroic
action completely destroyed the enemy
gun emplacement and eliminated a
dangerous threat to United Nations
ground forces. Maj. Loring's noble
spirit, superlative courage, and
conspicuous self-sacrifice in inflicting
maximum damage on the enemy exemplified
valor of the highest degree and his
actions were in keeping with the finest
traditions of the U.S. Air Force. *LYELL,
WILLIAM F. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Chup'a-ri, Korea, 31 August 1951.
Entered service at: Old Hickory, Tenn.
Birth: Hickman County, Tenn. G.O. No.:
4, 9 January 1953. Citation: Cpl. Lyell,
a member of Company F, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the
enemy. When his platoon leader was
killed, Cpl. Lyell assumed command and
led his unit in an assault on strongly
fortified enemy positions located on
commanding terrain. When his platoon
came under vicious, raking fire which
halted the forward movement, Cpl. Lyell
seized a 57mm. recoilless rifle and
unhesitatingly moved ahead to a suitable
firing position from which he delivered
deadly accurate fire completely
destroying an enemy bunker, killing its
occupants. He then returned to his
platoon and was resuming the assault
when the unit was again subjected to
intense hostile fire from 2 other
bunkers. Disregarding his personal
safety, armed with grenades he charged
forward hurling grenades into 1 of the
enemy emplacements, and although
painfully wounded in this action he
pressed on destroying the bunker and
killing 6 of the foe. He then continued
his attack against a third enemy
position, throwing grenades as he ran
forward, annihilating 4 enemy soldiers.
He then led his platoon to the north
slope of the hill where positions were
occupied from which effective fire was
delivered against the enemy in support
of friendly troops moving up. Fearlessly
exposing himself to enemy fire, he
continuously moved about directing and
encouraging his men until he was
mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire.
Cpl. Lyell's extraordinary heroism,
indomitable courage, and aggressive
leadership reflect great credit on
himself and are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military
service.
*MARTINEZ, BENITO Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Company A, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Satae-ri Korea, 6 September 1952.
Entered service at: Fort Hancock, Tex.
Born: 21 March 1931, Fort Hancock, Tex.
G.O. No.: 96, 29 December 1953.
Citation. Cpl. Martinez, a machine
gunner with Company A, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the
enemy. While manning a listening post
forward of the main line of resistance,
his position was attacked by a hostile
force of reinforced company strength. In
the bitter fighting which ensued, the
enemy infiltrated the defense perimeter
and, realizing that encirclement was
imminent, Cpl. Martinez elected to
remain at his post in an attempt to stem
the onslaught. In a daring defense, he
raked the attacking troops with
crippling fire, inflicting numerous
casualties. Although contacted by sound
power phone several times, he insisted
that no attempt be made to rescue him
because of the danger involved. Soon
thereafter, the hostile forces rushed
the emplacement, forcing him to make a
limited withdrawal with only an
automatic rifle and pistol to defend
himself. After a courageous 6-hour stand
and shortly before dawn, he called in
for the last time, stating that the
enemy was converging on his position His
magnificent stand enabled friendly
elements to reorganize, attack, and
regain the key terrain. Cpl. Martinez'
incredible valor and supreme sacrifice
reflect lasting glory upon himself and
are in keeping with the honored
traditions of the military service.
*MATTHEWS, DANIEL P. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
Place and date: Vegas Hill, Korea, 28
March 1953. Entered service at. Van
Nuys, Calif. Born: 31 December 1931, Van
Nuys, Calif. Award presented: 29 March
19S4. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a squad leader of
Company F, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. Participating in a
counterattack against a firmly
entrenched and well-concealed hostile
force which had repelled 6 previous
assaults on a vital enemy-held outpost
far forward of the main line of
resistance Sgt. Matthews fearlessly
advanced in the attack until his squad
was pinned down by a murderous sweep of
fire from an enemy machine gun located
on the peak of the outpost. Observing
that the deadly fire prevented a
corpsman from removing a wounded man
lying in an open area fully exposed to
the brunt of the devastating gunfire, he
worked his way to the base of the
hostile machine gun emplacement, leaped
onto the rock fortification surrounding
the gun and, taking the enemy by
complete surprise, single-handedly
charged the hostile emplacement with his
rifle. Although severely wounded when
the enemy brought a withering hail of
fire to bear upon him, he gallantly
continued his valiant l-man assault and,
firing his rifle with deadly
effectiveness, succeeded in killing 2 of
the enemy, routing a third, and
completely silencing the enemy weapon,
thereby enabling his comrades to
evacuate the stricken marine to a safe
position. Succumbing to his wounds
before aid could reach him, Sgt.
Matthews, by his indomitable fighting
spirit, courageous initiative, and
resolute determination in the face of
almost certain death, served to inspire
all who observed him and was directly
instrumental in saving the life of his
wounded comrade. His great personal
valor reflects the highest credit upon
himself and enhances the finest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
*MAUSERT,
FREDERICK W., III Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Place and date: Songnap-yong, Korea, 12
September 1951. Entered service at:
Dresher, Pa. Born: 2 May 1930,
Cambridge, N.Y. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving as a
squad leader in Company B, in action
against enemy aggressor forces. With his
company pinned down and suffering heavy
casualties under murderous machine gun,
rifle, artillery, and mortar fire laid
down from heavily fortified, deeply
entrenched hostile strongholds on Hill
673, Sgt. Mausert unhesitatingly left
his covered position and ran through a
heavily mined and fire-swept area to
bring back 2 critically wounded men to
the comparative safety of the lines.
Staunchly refusing evacuation despite a
painful head wound sustained during his
voluntary act, he insisted on remaining
with his squad and, with his platoon
ordered into the assault moments later,
took the point position and led his men
in a furious bayonet charge against the
first of a literally impregnable series
of bunkers. Stunned and knocked to the
ground when another bullet struck his
helmet, he regained his feet and resumed
his drive, personally silencing the
machine gun and leading his men in
eliminating several other emplacements
in the area. Promptly reorganizing his
unit for a renewed fight to the final
objective on top of the ridge, Sgt.
Mausert boldly left his position when
the enemy's fire gained momentum and,
making a target of himself, boldly
advanced alone into the face of the
machine gun, drawing the fire away from
his men and enabling them to move into
position to assault. Again severely
wounded when the enemy's fire found its
mark, he still refused aid and continued
spearheading the assault to the topmost
machine gun nest and bunkers, the last
bulwark of the fanatic aggressors.
Leaping into the wall of fire, he
destroyed another machine gun with
grenades before he was mortally wounded
by bursting grenades and machine gun
fire. Stouthearted and indomitable, Sgt.
Mausert, by his fortitude, great
personal valor, and extraordinary
heroism in the face of almost certain
death, had inspired his men to sweep on,
overrun and finally secure the
objective. His unyielding courage
throughout reflects the highest credit
upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his
country.
*McGOVERN, ROBERT M. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, Company A, 5th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division. Place and date:
Near Kamyangjan-ni, Korea, 30 January
1951. Entered service at: Washington,
D.C. Birth: Washington, D.C. G.O. No.:
2, 8 January 1952. Citation: 1st Lt.
McGovern, a member of Company A,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
life above and beyond the call of duty
in action against an armed enemy of the
United Nations. As 1st Lt. McGovern led
his platoon up a slope to engage hostile
troops emplaced in bunker-type pillboxes
with connecting trenches, the unit came
under heavy machine gun and rifle fire
from the crest of the hill,
approximately 75 yards distant. Despite
a wound sustained in this initial burst
of withering fire, 1st Lt. McGovern,
assured the men of his ability to
continue on and urged them forward.
Forging up the rocky incline, he
fearlessly led the platoon to within
several yards of its objective when the
ruthless foe threw and rolled a vicious
barrage of handgrenades on the group and
halted the advance. Enemy fire increased
in volume and intensity and 1st Lt.
McGovern realizing that casualties were
rapidly increasing and the morale of his
men badly shaken, hurled back several
grenades before they exploded. Then,
disregarding his painful wound and
weakened condition he charged a machine
gun emplacement which was raking his
position with flanking fire. When he was
within 10 yards of the position a burst
of fire ripped the carbine from his
hands, but, undaunted, he continued his
lone-man assault and, firing his pistol
and throwing grenades, killed 7 hostile
soldiers before falling mortally wounded
in front of the gun he had silenced. 1st
Lt. McGovern's incredible display of
valor imbued his men with indomitable
resolution to avenge his death. Fixing
bayonets and throwing grenades, they
charged with such ferocity that hostile
positions were overrun and the enemy
routed from the hill. The inspirational
leadership, unflinching courage, and
intrepid actions of 1st Lt. McGovern
reflected utmost glory on himself and
the honored tradition of the military
services.
McLAUGHLIN, ALFORD L. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps Company L, 3d Battalion,
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.)
Place and date: Korea, 4 and 5 September
1952. Entered service at: Leeds, Ala.
Born: 18 March 1928, Leeds, Ala.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a machine gunner of Company
L, in action against enemy aggressor
forces on the night of 4-5 September
1952. Volunteering for his second
continuous tour of duty on a strategic
combat outpost far in advance of the
main line of resistance, Pfc.
McLaughlin, although operating under a
barrage of enemy artillery and mortar
fire, set up plans for the defense of
his position which proved decisive in
the successful defense of the outpost.
When hostile forces attacked in
battalion strength during the night, he
maintained a constant flow of
devastating fire upon the enemy,
alternately employing 2 machineguns, a
carbine, and handgrenades. Although
painfully wounded, he bravely fired the
machineguns from the hip until his hands
became blistered by the extreme heat
from the weapons and, placing the guns
on the ground to allow them to cool,
continued to defend the position with
his carbine and grenades. Standing up in
full view, he shouted words of
encouragement to his comrades above the
din of battle and, throughout a series
of fanatical enemy attacks, sprayed the
surrounding area with deadly fire,
accounting for an estimated 150 enemy
dead and 50 wounded. By his indomitable
courage, superb leadership, and valiant
fighting spirit in the face of
overwhelming odds, Pfc. McLaughlin
served to inspire his fellow marines in
their gallant stand against the enemy
and was directly instrumental in
preventing the vital outpost from
falling into the hands of a determined
and numerically superior hostile force.
His outstanding heroism and unwavering
devotion to duty reflect the highest
credit upon himself and enhance the
finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
*MENDONCA, LEROY A. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army,
Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Chich-on, Korea, 4 July 1951. Entered
service at: Honolulu, T.H. Birth:
Honolulu, T.H. G.O. No.: 83, 3 September
1952. Citation: Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry above and beyond the call of
duty in action against the enemy. After
his platoon, in an exhaustive fight, had
captured Hill 586, the newly won
positions were assaulted during the
night by a numerically superior enemy
force. When the 1st Platoon positions
were outflanked and under great pressure
and the platoon was ordered to withdraw
to a secondary line of defense, Sgt.
Mendonca voluntarily remained in an
exposed position and covered the
platoon's withdrawal. Although under
murderous enemy fire, he fired his
weapon and hurled grenades at the
onrushing enemy until his supply of
ammunition was exhausted. He fought on,
clubbing with his rifle and using his
bayonet until he was mortally wounded.
After the action it was estimated that
Sgt. Mendonca had accounted for 37 enemy
casualties. His daring actions stalled
the crushing assault, protecting the
platoon's withdrawal to secondary
positions, and enabling the entire unit
to repel the enemy attack and retain
possession of the vital hilltop
position. Sgt. Mendonca's extraordinary
gallantry and exemplary valor are in
keeping with the highest traditions of
the U.S. Army. MILLETT,
LEWIS L. Rank and
organization: Captain, U.S. Army,
Company E, 27th Infantry Regiment. Place
and date: Vicinity of Soam-Ni, Korea, 7
February 1951. Entered service at:
Mechanic Falls, Maine. Born: 15 December
1920, Mechanic Falls, Maine. G.O. No.:
69, 2 August 1951. Citation: Capt.
Millett, Company E, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty in action. While personally leading
his company in an attack against a
strongly held position he noted that the
1st Platoon was pinned down by
small-arms, automatic, and antitank
fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d
Platoon forward, placed himself at the
head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed
bayonet, led the assault up the
fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge
Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 enemy soldiers
and boldly continued on, throwing
grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the
enemy, while urging his men forward by
shouting encouragement. Despite vicious
opposing fire, the whirlwind
hand-to-hand assault carried to the
crest of the hill. His dauntless
leadership and personal courage so
inspired his men that they stormed into
the hostile position and used their
bayonets with such lethal effect that
the enemy fled in wild disorder. During
this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was
wounded by grenade fragments but refused
evacuation until the objective was taken
and firmly secured. The superb
leadership, conspicuous courage, and
consummate devotion to duty demonstrated
by Capt. Millett were directly
responsible for the successful
accomplishment of a hazardous mission
and reflect the highest credit on
himself and the heroic traditions of the
military service.
*MITCHELL, FRANK N. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Near Hansan-ni,
Korea, 26 November 1950. Entered service
at: Roaring Springs, Tex. Born: 18
August 1921, Indian Gap, Tex. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty as
leader of a rifle platoon of Company A,
in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Leading his platoon in point
position during a patrol by his company
through a thickly wooded and
snow-covered area in the vicinity of
Hansan-ni, 1st Lt. Mitchell acted
immediately when the enemy suddenly
opened fire at pointblank range, pinning
down his forward elements and inflicting
numerous casualties in his ranks. Boldly
dashing to the front under blistering
fire from automatic weapons and small
arms, he seized an automatic rifle from
one of the wounded men and effectively
trained it against the attackers and,
when his ammunition was expended, picked
up and hurled grenades with deadly
accuracy, at the same time directing and
encouraging his men in driving the
outnumbering enemy from his position.
Maneuvering to set up a defense when the
enemy furiously counterattacked to the
front and left flank, 1st Lt. Mitchell,
despite wounds sustained early in the
action, reorganized his platoon under
the devastating fire, and spearheaded a
fierce hand-to-hand struggle to repulse
the onslaught. Asking for volunteers to
assist in searching for and evacuating
the wounded, he personally led a party
of litter bearers through the hostile
lines in growing darkness and, although
suffering intense pain from multiple
wounds, stormed ahead and waged a
single-handed battle against the enemy,
successfully covering the withdrawal of
his men before he was fatally struck
down by a burst of small-arms fire.
Stouthearted and indomitable in the face
of tremendous odds, 1st Lt. Mitchell, by
his fortitude, great personal valor and
extraordinary heroism, saved the lives
of several marines and inflicted heavy
casualties among the aggressors. His
unyielding courage throughout reflects
the highest credit upon himself and the
U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country. MIYAMURA,
HIROSHI H. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Company H, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Taejon-ni, Korea, 24 and 25 April 1951.
Entered service at: Gallup, N. Mex.
Birth: Gallup, N. Mex. G.O. No.: 85, 4
November 1953. Citation: Cpl. Miyamura,
a member of Company H, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity above and beyond the call of
duty in action against the enemy. On the
night of 24 April, Company H was
occupying a defensive position when the
enemy fanatically attacked threatening
to overrun the position. Cpl. Miyamura,
a machine gun squad leader, aware of the
imminent danger to his men
unhesitatingly jumped from his shelter
wielding his bayonet in close
hand-to-hand combat killing
approximately 10 of the enemy. Returning
to his position, he administered first
aid to the wounded and directed their
evacuation. As another savage assault
hit the line, he manned his machine gun
and delivered withering fire until his
ammunition was expended. He ordered the
squad to withdraw while he stayed behind
to render the gun inoperative. He then
bayoneted his way through infiltrated
enemy soldiers to a second gun
emplacement and assisted in its
operation. When the intensity of the
attack necessitated the withdrawal of
the company Cpl. Miyamura ordered his
men to fall back while he remained to
cover their movement. He killed more
than 50 of the enemy before his
ammunition was depleted and he was
severely wounded. He maintained his
magnificent stand despite his painful
wounds, continuing to repel the attack
until his position was overrun. When
last seen he was fighting ferociously
against an overwhelming number of enemy
soldiers. Cpl. Miyamura's indomitable
heroism and consummate devotion to duty
reflect the utmost glory on himself and
uphold the illustrious traditions on the
military service. MIZE, OLA
L. Rank and
organization: Master Sergeant (then
Sgt.), U.S. Army, Company K, 15th
Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Surang-ni, Korea,
10 to 11 June 1953. Entered service at:
Gadsden, Ala. Born: 28 August 1931,
Marshall County, Ala. G.O. No.: 70, 24
September 1954. Citation: M/Sgt. Mize, a
member of Company K, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the
enemy. Company K was committed to the
defense of "Outpost Harry", a
strategically valuable position, when
the enemy launched a heavy attack.
Learning that a comrade on a friendly
listening post had been wounded he moved
through the intense barrage, accompanied
by a medical aid man, and rescued the
wounded soldier. On returning to the
main position he established an
effective defense system and inflicted
heavy casualties against attacks from
determined enemy assault forces which
had penetrated into trenches within the
outpost area. During his fearless
actions he was blown down by artillery
and grenade blasts 3 times but each time
he dauntlessly returned to his position,
tenaciously fighting and successfully
repelling hostile attacks. When enemy
onslaughts ceased he took his few men
and moved from bunker to bunker, firing
through apertures and throwing grenades
at the foe, neutralizing their
positions. When an enemy soldier stepped
out behind a comrade, prepared to fire,
M/Sgt. Mize killed him, saving the life
of his fellow soldier. After rejoining
the platoon, moving from man to man,
distributing ammunition, and shouting
words of encouragement he observed a
friendly machine gun position overrun.
He immediately fought his way to the
position, killing 10 of the enemy and
dispersing the remainder. Fighting back
to the command post, and finding several
friendly wounded there, he took a
position to protect them. Later,
securing a radio, he directed friendly
artillery fire upon the attacking
enemy's routes of approach. At dawn he
helped regroup for a counterattack which
successfully drove the enemy from the
outpost. M/Sgt. Mize's valorous conduct
and unflinching courage reflect lasting
glory upon himself and uphold the noble
traditions of the military service. *MONEGAN,
WALTER C., JR. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion,
1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Near Sosa-ri,
Korea, 17 and 20 September 1950. Entered
service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 25
December 1930, Melrose, Mass. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a rocket gunner attached to
Company F, and in action against enemy
aggressor forces. Dug in on a hill
overlooking the main Seoul highway when
6 enemy tanks threatened to break
through the battalion position during a
predawn attack on 17 September, Pfc.
Monegan promptly moved forward with his
bazooka, under heavy hostile automatic
weapons fre and engaged the lead tank at
a range of less than 50 yards. After
scoring a direct hit and killing the
sole surviving tankman with his carbine
as he came through the escape hatch, he
boldly fired 2 more rounds of ammunition
at the oncoming tanks, disorganizing the
attack and enabling our tank crews to
continue blasting with their 90-mm guns.
With his own and an adjacent company's
position threatened by annihilation when
an overwhelming enemy tank-infantry
force bypassed the area and proceeded
toward the battalion command post during
the early morning of September 20, he
seized his rocket launcher and, in total
darkness, charged down the slope of the
hill where the tanks had broken through.
Quick to act when an illuminating shell
lit the area, he scored a direct hit on
one of the tanks as hostile rifle and
automatic-weapons fire raked the area at
close range. Again exposing himself, he
fired another round to destroy a second
tank and, as the rear tank turned to
retreat, stood upright to fire and was
fatally struck down by hostile machine
gun fire when another illuminating shell
silhouetted him against the sky. Pfc.
Monegan's daring initiative, gallant
fighting spirit and courageous devotion
to duty were contributing factors in the
success of his company in repelling the
enemy, and his self-sacrificing efforts
throughout sustain and enhance the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country .
*MORELAND, WHITT L. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve, Company C, 1st
Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date:
Kwagch'i-Dong, Korea, 29 May 1951.
Entered service at: Austin, Tex. Born: 7
March 1930, Waco, Tex. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving as an
intelligence scout attached to Company
C, in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Voluntarily accompanying a rifle
platoon in a daring assault against a
strongly defended enemy hill position,
Pfc. Moreland delivered accurate rifle
fire on the hostile emplacement and
thereby aided materially in seizing the
objective. After the position had been
secured, he unhesitatingly led a party
forward to neutralize an enemy bunker
which he had observed some 400 meters
beyond, and moving boldly through a
fire-swept area, Almost reached the
hostile emplacement when the enemy
launched a volley of handgrenades on his
group. Quick to act despite the personal
danger involved, he kicked several of
the grenades off the ridge line where
they exploded harmlessly and, while
attempting to kick away another, slipped
and fell near the deadly missile. Aware
that the sputtering grenade would
explode before he could regain his feet
and dispose of it, he shouted a warning
to his comrades, covered the missile
with his body and absorbed the full
blast ??of the explosion, but in saving
his companions from possible injury or
death, was mortally wounded. His heroic
initiative and valiant spirit of
self-sacrifice in the face of certain
death reflect the highest credit upon
Pfc. Moreland and the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country. *MOYER,
DONALD R. Rank and
organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, Company E, 35th Infantry Regiment.
Place and date: Near Seoul, Korea, 20
May 1951. Entered service at: Keego
Harbor, Oakland, Mich. Born: 15 April
1930, Pontiac, Mich. G.O. No.: 19, 1
February 1952. Citation: Sfc. Moyer
assistant platoon leader, Company E,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty in action against an armed enemy of
the United Nations. Sfc. Moyer's platoon
was committed to attack and secure
commanding terrain stubbornly defended
by a numerically superior hostile force
emplaced in well-fortified positions.
Advancing up the rocky hill, the leading
elements came under intense automatic
weapons, small-arms, and grenade fire,
wounding the platoon leader and platoon
sergeant. Sfc. Moyer, realizing the
success of the mission was imperiled,
rushed to the head of the faltering
column, assumed command and urged the
men forward. Inspired by Sfc. Moyer's
unflinching courage, the troops
responded magnificently, but as they
reached the final approaches to the
rugged crest of the hill, enemy fire
increased in volume and intensity and
the fanatical foe showered the platoon
with grenades. Undaunted, the valiant
group forged ahead, and as they neared
the top of the hill, the enemy hurled a
grenade into their midst. Sfc. Moyer,
fully aware of the odds against him,
unhesitatingly threw himself on the
grenade, absorbing the full blast of the
explosion with his body. Although
mortally wounded in this fearless
display of valor, Sfc. Moyer's intrepid
act saved several of his comrades from
death or serious injury, and his
inspirational leadership and consummate
devotion to duty contributed
significantly to the subsequent seizure
of the enemy stronghold and reflect
lasting glory on himself and the noble
traditions of the military service. MURPHY,
RAYMOND G. Rank and
organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve, Company A, 1st
Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea,
3 February 1953. Entered service at:
Pueblo, Colo. Born: 14 January 1930,
Pueblo, Colo. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty as a platoon commander of Company
A, in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Although painfully wounded by
fragments from an enemy mortar shell
while leading his evacuation platoon in
support of assault units attacking a
cleverly concealed and well-entrenched
hostile force occupying commanding
ground, 2d Lt. Murphy steadfastly
refused medical aid and continued to
lead his men up a hill through a
withering barrage of hostile mortar and
small-arms fire, skillfully maneuvering
his force from one position to the next
and shouting words of encouragement.
Undeterred by the increasing intense
enemy fire, he immediately located
casualties as they fell and made several
trips up and down the fire-swept hill to
direct evacuation teams to the wounded,
personally carrying many of the stricken
marines to safety. When reinforcements
were needed by the assaulting elements,
2d Lt. Murphy employed part of his unit
as support and, during the ensuing
battle, personally killed 2 of the enemy
with his pistol. With all the wounded
evacuated and the assaulting units
beginning to disengage, he remained
behind with a carbine to cover the
movement of friendly forces off the hill
and, though suffering intense pain from
his previous wounds, seized an automatic
rifle to provide more firepower when the
enemy reappeared in the trenches. After
reaching the base of the hill, he
organized a search party and again
ascended the slope for a final check on
missing marines, locating and carrying
the bodies of a machine gun crew back
down the hill. Wounded a second time
while conducting the entire force to the
line of departure through a continuing
barrage of enemy small-arms, artillery,
and mortar fire, he again refused
medical assistance until assured that
every one of his men, including all
casualties, had preceded him to the main
lines. His resolute and inspiring
leadership, exceptional fortitude, and
great personal valor reflect the highest
credit upon 2d Lt. Murphy and enhance
the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. MYERS,
REGINALD R. Rank and
organization: Major, U.S. Marine Corps,
3d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine
Division, (Rein.). Place and date: Near
Hagaru-ri, Korea, 29 November 1950.
Entered service at: Boise, Idaho. Born:
26 November 1919, Boise, Idaho.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty as
executive officer of the 3d Battalion,
in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Assuming command of a composite
unit of Army and Marine service and
headquarters elements totaling
approximately 250 men, during a critical
stage in the vital defense of the
strategically important military base at
Hagaru-ri, Maj. Myers immediately
initiated a determined and aggressive
counterattack against a well-entrenched
and cleverly concealed enemy force
numbering an estimated 4,000. Severely
handicapped by a lack of trained
personnel and experienced leaders in his
valiant efforts to regain maximum ground
prior to daylight, he persisted in
constantly exposing himself to intense,
accurate, and sustained hostile fire in
order to direct and supervise the
employment of his men and to encourage
and spur them on in pressing the attack.
Inexorably moving forward up the steep,
snow-covered slope with his depleted
group in the face of apparently
insurmountable odds, he concurrently
directed artillery and mortar fire with
superb skill and although losing 170 of
his men during 14 hours of raging combat
in subzero temperatures, continued to
reorganize his unit and spearhead the
attack which resulted in 600 enemy
killed and 500 wounded. By his
exceptional and valorous leadership
throughout, Maj. Myers contributed
directly to the success of his unit in
restoring the perimeter. His resolute
spirit of self-sacrifice and unfaltering
devotion to duty enhance and sustain the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service . *OBREGON,
EUGENE ARNOLD Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion,
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Seoul, Korea,
26 September 1950. Entered service at:
Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 12 November
1930, Los Angeles, Calif. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving with
Company G, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. While serving as an
ammunition carrier of a machine gun
squad in a marine rifle company which
was temporarily pinned down by hostile
fire, Pfc. Obregon observed a fellow
marine fall wounded in the line of fire.
Armed only with a pistol, he
unhesitating dashed from his covered
position to the side of the casualty.
Firing his pistol with 1 hand as he ran,
he grasped his comrade by the arm with
his other hand and, despite the great
peril to himself dragged him to the side
of the road. Still under enemy fire, he
was bandaging the man's wounds when
hostile troops of approximately platoon
strength began advancing toward his
position. Quickly seizing the wounded
marine's carbine, he placed his own body
as a shield in front of him and lay
there firing accurately and effectively
into the hostile group until he himself
was fatally wounded by enemy machine gun
fire. By his courageous fighting spirit,
fortitude, and loyal devotion to duty,
Pfc. Obregon enabled his fellow marines
to rescue the wounded man and aided
essentially in repelling the attack,
thereby sustaining and enhancing the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country. O'BRIEN,
GEORGE H., JR. Rank and
organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve, Company H, 3d
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea,
27 October, 1952. Entered service at:
Big Spring, Tex. Born: 10 September
1926, Fort Worth, Tex. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as a rifle platoon
commander of Company H, in action
against enemy aggressor forces. With his
platoon subjected to an intense mortar
and artillery bombardment while
preparing to assault a vitally important
hill position on the main line of
resistance which had been overrun by a
numerically superior enemy force on the
preceding night, 2d Lt. O'Brien leaped
from his trench when the attack signal
was given and, shouting for his men to
follow, raced across an exposed saddle
and up the enemy-held hill through a
virtual hail of deadly small-arms,
artillery, and mortar fire. Although
shot through the arm and thrown to the
ground by hostile automatic-weapons fire
as he neared the well-entrenched enemy
position, he bravely regained his feet,
waved his men onward, and continued to
spearhead the assault, pausing only long
enough to go to the aid of a wounded
marine. Encountering the enemy at close
range, he proceeded to hurl handgrenades
into the bunkers and, utilizing his
carbine to best advantage in savage
hand-to-hand combat, succeeded in
killing at least 3 of the enemy. Struck
down by the concussion of grenades on 3
occasions during the subsequent action,
he steadfastly refused to be evacuated
for medical treatment and continued to
lead his platoon in the assault for a
period of nearly 4 hours, repeatedly
encouraging his men and maintaining
superb direction of the unit. With the
attack halted he set up a defense with
his remaining forces to prepare for a
counterattack, personally checking each
position, attending to the wounded and
expediting their evacuation. When a
relief of the position was effected by
another unit, he remained to cover the
withdrawal and to assure that no wounded
were left behind. By his exceptionally
daring and forceful leadership in the
face of overwhelming odds, 2d Lt.
O'Brien served as a constant source of
inspiration to all who observed him and
was greatly instrumental in the
recapture of a strategic position on the
main line of resistance. His indomitable
determination and valiant fighting
spirit reflect the highest credit upon
himself and enhance the finest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
*OUELLETTE, JOSEPH R. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Yongsan, Korea, from 31 August to 3
September 1950. Entered service at:
Lowell, Mass. Birth: Lowell, Mass. G.O.
No.: 25, 25 April 1951. Citation: Pfc.
Ouellette distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in
action against the enemy in the
Makioug-Chang River salient. When an
enemy assault cut off and surrounded his
unit he voluntarily made a
reconnaissance of a nearby hill under
intense enemy fire to locate friendly
troop positions and obtain information
of the enemy's strength and location.
Finding that friendly troops were not on
the hill, he worked his way back to his
unit under heavy fire. Later, when an
airdrop of water was made outside the
perimeter, he again braved enemy fire in
an attempt to retrieve water for his
unit. Finding the dropped cans broken
and devoid of water, he returned to his
unit. His heroic attempt greatly
increased his comrades' morale. When
ammunition and grenades ran low, Pfc.
Ouellette again slipped out of the
perimeter to collect these from the
enemy dead. After collecting grenades he
was attacked by an enemy soldier. He
killed this enemy in hand-to-hand
combat, gathered up the ammunition, and
returned to his unit. When the enemy
attacked on 3 September, they assaulted
his position with grenades. On 6
occasions Pfc. Ouellette leaped from his
foxhole to escape exploding grenades. In
doing so, he had to face enemy
small-arms fire. He continued his
resistance, despite a severe wound,
until he lost his life. The
extraordinary heroism and intrepidity
displayed by Pfc. Ouellette reflect the
highest credit on himself and are in
keeping with the esteemed traditions of
the military service. *PAGE,
JOHN U. D. Rank and
organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S.
Army, X Corps Artillery, while attached
to the 52d Transportation Truck
Battalion. Place and date: Near Chosin
Reservoir, Korea, 29 November to 10
December 1950. Entered service at: St.
Paul, Minn. Born: 8 February 1904,
Malahi Island, Luzon, Philippine
Islands. G.O. No.: 21, 25 April 1957.
Citation: Lt. Col. Page, a member of X
Corps Artillery, distinguished himself
by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action above and beyond the call of
duty in a series of exploits. On 29
November, Lt. Col. Page left X Corps
Headquarters at Hamhung with the mission
of establishing traffic control on the
main supply route to 1st Marine Division
positions and those of some Army
elements on the Chosin Reservoir
plateau. Having completed his mission
Lt. Col. Page was free to return to the
safety of Hamhung but chose to remain on
the plateau to aid an isolated signal
station, thus being cut off with
elements of the marine division. After
rescuing his jeep driver by breaking up
an ambush near a destroyed bridge Lt.
Col. Page reached the lines of a
surrounded marine garrison at Koto-ri.
He then voluntarily developed and
trained a reserve force of assorted army
troops trapped with the marines. By
exemplary leadership and tireless
devotion he made an effective tactical
unit available. In order that casualties
might be evacuated, an airstrip was
improvised on frozen ground partly
outside of the Koto-ri defense perimeter
which was continually under enemy
attack. During 2 such attacks, Lt. Col.
Page exposed himself on the airstrip to
direct fire on the enemy, and twice
mounted the rear deck of a tank, manning
the machine gun on the turret to drive
the enemy back into a no man's land. On
3 December while being flown low over
enemy lines in a light observation
plane, Lt. Col. Page dropped
handgrenades on Chinese positions and
sprayed foxholes with automatic fire
from his carbine. After 10 days of
constant fighting the marine and army
units in the vicinity of the Chosin
Reservoir had succeeded in gathering at
the edge of the plateau and Lt. Col.
Page was flown to Hamhung to arrange for
artillery support of the beleaguered
troops attempting to break out. Again
Lt. Col. Page refused an opportunity to
remain in safety and returned to give
every assistance to his comrades. As the
column slowly moved south Lt. Col. Page
joined the rear guard. When it neared
the entrance to a narrow pass it came
under frequent attacks on both flanks.
Mounting an abandoned tank Lt. Col. Page
manned the machine gun, braved heavy
return fire, and covered the passing
vehicles until the danger diminished.
Later when another attack threatened his
section of the convoy, then in the
middle of the pass, Lt. Col. Page took a
machine gun to the hillside and
delivered effective counterfire,
remaining exposed while men and vehicles
passed through the ambuscade. On the
night of 10 December the convoy reached
the bottom of the pass but was halted by
a strong enemy force at the front and on
both flanks. Deadly small-arms fire
poured into the column. Realizing the
danger to the column as it lay
motionless, Lt. Col. Page fought his way
to the head of the column and plunged
forward into the heart of the hostile
position. His intrepid action so
surprised the enemy that their ranks
became disordered and suffered heavy
casualties. Heedless of his safety, as
he had been throughout the preceding 10
days, Lt. Col. Page remained forward,
fiercely engaging the enemy
single-handed until mortally wounded. By
his valiant and aggressive spirit Lt.
Col. Page enabled friendly forces to
stand off the enemy. His outstanding
courage, unswerving devotion to duty,
and supreme self-sacrifice reflect great
credit upon Lt. Col. Page and are in the
highest tradition of the military
service.
*PENDLETON, CHARLES F. Rank and
organization: Corporal. U.S. Army,
Company D, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Choo Gung-Dong, Korea, 16 and 17 July
1953. Entered service at: Fort Worth,
Tex. Born: 26 September 1931, Camden,
Tenn. Citation: Cpl. Pendleton, a
machine gunner with Company D,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and indomitable courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. After consolidating
and establishing a defensive perimeter
on a key terrain feature, friendly
elements were attacked by a large
hostile force. Cpl. Pendleton delivered
deadly accurate fire into the
approaching troops, killing
approximately 15 and disorganizing the
remainder with grenades. Unable to
protect the flanks because of the narrow
confines of the trench, he removed the
machine gun from the tripod and, exposed
to enemy observation, positioned it on
his knee to improve his firing vantage.
Observing a hostile infantryman jumping
into the position, intent on throwing a
grenade at his comrades, he whirled
about and killed the attacker, then
inflicted such heavy casualties on the
enemy force that they retreated to
regroup. After reorganizing, a second
wave of hostile soldiers moved forward
in an attempt to overrun the position
and, later, when a hostile grenade
landed nearby, Cpl. Pendleton quickly
retrieved and hurled it back at the foe.
Although he was burned by the hot shells
ejecting from his weapon, and he was
wounded by a grenade, he refused
evacuation and continued to fire on the
assaulting force. As enemy action
increased in tempo, his machine gun was
destroyed by a grenade but, undaunted,
he grabbed a carbine and continued his
heroic defense until mortally wounded by
a mortar burst. Cpl. Pendleton's
unflinching courage, gallant
self-sacrifice, and consummate devotion
to duty reflect lasting glory upon
himself and uphold the finest traditions
of the military service.
*PHILLIPS, LEE H. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 7
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
Place and date: Korea, 4 November 1950.
Entered service at: Ben Hill, Ga. Born:
3 February 1930, Stockbridge, Ga. Cpl.
Phillips was killed in action 27
November 1950. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a squad leader of
Company E, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. Assuming the point
position in the attack against a
strongly defended and well-entrenched
numerically superior enemy force
occupying a vital hill position which
had been unsuccessfully assaulted on 5
separate occasions by units of the
Marine Corps and other friendly forces,
Cpl. Phillips fearlessly led his men in
a bayonet charge up the precipitous
slope under a deadly hail of hostile
mortar, small-arms, and machine gun
fire. Quickly rallying his squad when it
was pinned down by a heavy and accurate
mortar barrage, he continued to lead his
men through the bombarded area and,
although only 5 members were left in the
casualty ridden unit, gained the
military crest of the hill where he was
immediately subjected to an enemy
counterattack. Although greatly
outnumbered by an estimated enemy squad,
Cpl. Phillips boldly engaged the hostile
force with handgrenades and rifle fire
and, exhorting his gallant group of
marines to follow him, stormed forward
to completely overwhelm the enemy. With
only 3 men now left in his squad, he
proceeded to spearhead an assault on the
last remaining strongpoint which was
defended by 4 of the enemy on a rocky
and almost inaccessible portion of the
hill position. Using 1 hand to climb up
the extremely hazardous precipice, he
hurled grenades with the other and, with
2 remaining comrades, succeeded in
annihilating the pocket of resistance
and in consolidating the position.
Immediately subjected to a sharp
counterattack by an estimated enemy
squad, he skillfully directed the fire
of his men and employed his own weapon
with deadly effectiveness to repulse the
numerically superior hostile force. By
his valiant leadership, indomitable
fighting spirit and resolute
determination in the face of heavy odds,
Cpl. Phillips served to inspire all who
observed him and was directly
responsible for the destruction of the
enemy stronghold. His great personal
valor reflects the highest credit upon
himself and enhances and sustains the
finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service.
*PILILAAU, HERBERT K. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment,
2nd Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Pia-ri, Korea, 17 September 1951.
Entered service at: Oahu, T.H. Born: 10
October 1928, Waianae, Oahu, T.H. G.O.
No.: 58, 18 June 1952. Citation: Pfc.
Pililaau, a member of Company C,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and outstanding courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. The enemy sent wave
after wave of fanatical troops against
his platoon which held a key terrain
feature on "Heartbreak Ridge." Valiantly
defending its position, the unit
repulsed each attack until ammunition
became practically exhausted and it was
ordered to withdraw to a new position.
Voluntarily remaining behind to cover
the withdrawal, Pfc. Pililaau fired his
automatic weapon into the ranks of the
assailants, threw all his grenades and,
with ammunition exhausted, closed with
the foe in hand-to-hand combat,
courageously fighting with his trench
knife and bare fists until finally
overcome and mortally wounded. When the
position was subsequently retaken, more
than 40 enemy dead were counted in the
area he had so valiantly defended. His
heroic devotion to duty, indomitable
fighting spirit, and gallant
self-sacrifice reflect the highest
credit upon himself, the infantry, and
the U.S. Army. PITTMAN,
JOHN A. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army,
Company C, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Kujangdong, Korea, 26 November 1950.
Entered service at: Carrolton, Miss.
Born: 15 October 1928, Carrolton, Miss.
G.O. No.: 39, 4 June 1951. Citation:
Sgt. Pittman, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. He volunteered
to lead his squad in a counterattack to
regain commanding terrain lost in an
earlier engagement. Moving aggressively
forward in the face of intense
artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire
he was wounded by mortar fragments.
Disregarding his wounds he continued to
lead and direct his men in a bold
advance against the hostile standpoint.
During this daring action, an enemy
grenade was thrown in the midst of his
squad endangering the lives of his
comrades. Without hesitation, Sgt.
Pittman threw himself on the grenade and
absorbed its burst with his body. When a
medical aid man reached him, his first
request was to be informed as to how
many of his men were hurt. This intrepid
and selfless act saved several of his
men from death or serious injury and was
an inspiration to the entire command.
Sgt. Pittman's extraordinary heroism
reflects the highest credit upon himself
and is in keeping with the esteemed
traditions of the military service. *POMEROY,
RALPH E. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company E, 31st Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Kumhwa, Korea, 15 October 1952.
Entered service at: Quinwood, W. Va.
Born: 26 March 1930, Quinwood, W. Va.
G.O. No.: 97, 30 December 1953.
Citation: Pfc. Pomeroy, a machine gunner
with Company E, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and indomitable
courage above and beyond the call of
duty in action against the enemy. While
his comrades were consolidating on a key
terrain feature, he manned a machine gun
at the end of a communication trench on
the forward slope to protect the platoon
flank and prevent a surprise attack.
When the enemy attacked through a ravine
leading directly to his firing position,
he immediately opened fire on the
advancing troops inflicting a heavy toll
in casualties and blunting the assault.
At this juncture the enemy directed
intense concentrations of artillery and
mortar fire on his position in an
attempt to neutralize his gun. Despite
withering fire and bursting shells, he
maintained his heroic stand and poured
crippling fire into the ranks of the
hostile force until a mortar burst
severely wounded him and rendered the
gun mount inoperable. Quickly removing
the hot, heavy weapon, he cradled it in
his arms and, moving forward with grim
determination, raked the attacking
forces with a hail of fire. Although
wounded a second time he pursued his
relentless course until his ammunition
was expended within 10 feet of the foe
and then, using the machine gun as a
club, he courageously closed with the
enemy in hand-to-hand combat until
mortally wounded. Pfc. Pomeroy's
consummate valor, inspirational actions
and supreme sacrifice enabled the
platoon to contain the attack and
maintain the integrity of the perimeter,
reflecting lasting glory upon himself
and upholding the noble traditions of
the military service . *PORTER,
DONN F. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army,
Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Mundung-ni Korea, 7 September 1952.
Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Born:
1 March 1931, Sewickley, Pa. G.O. No.:
64, 18 August 1953. Citation: Sgt.
Porter, a member of Company G,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and outstanding courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. Advancing under cover
of intense mortar and artillery fire, 2
hostile platoons attacked a combat
outpost commanded by Sgt. Porter,
destroyed communications, and killed 2
of his 3-man crew. Gallantly maintaining
his position, he poured deadly accurate
fire into the ranks of the enemy,
killing 15 and dispersing the remainder.
After falling back under a hail of fire,
the determined foe reorganized and
stormed forward in an attempt to overrun
the outpost. Without hesitation, Sgt.
Porter jumped from his position with
bayonet fixed and, meeting the onslaught
and in close combat, killed 6 hostile
soldiers and routed the attack. While
returning to the outpost, he was killed
by an artillery burst, but his
courageous actions forced the enemy to
break off the engagement and thwarted a
surprise attack on the main line of
resistance. Sgt. Porter's incredible
display of valor, gallant
self-sacrifice, and consummate devotion
to duty reflect the highest credit upon
himself and uphold the noble traditions
of the military service. *POYNTER,
JAMES I. Rank and
organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve, Company A, 1st Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Near Sudong,
Korea, 4 November 1950. Entered service
at: Downey, Calif. Born: 1 December
1916, Bloomington, Ill. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty while serving as a
squad leader in a rifle platoon of
Company A, in action against enemy
aggressor forces during the defense of
Hill 532, south of Sudong, Korea. When a
vastly outnumbering, well-concealed
hostile force launched a sudden, vicious
counterattack against his platoon's
hasty defensive position, Sgt. Poynter
displayed superb skill and courage in
leading his squad and directing its fire
against the onrushing enemy. With his
ranks critically depleted by casualties
and he himself critically wounded as the
onslaught gained momentum and the
hostile force surrounded his position,
he seized his bayonet and engaged in
bitter hand-to-hand combat as the
breakthrough continued. Observing 3
machineguns closing in at a distance of
25 yards, he dashed from his position
and, grasping handgrenades from fallen
marines as he ran, charged the
emplacements in rapid succession,
killing the crews of 2 and putting the
other out of action before he fell,
mortally wounded. By his
self-sacrificing and valiant conduct,
Sgt. Poynter inspired the remaining
members of his squad to heroic endeavor
in bearing down upon and repelling the
disorganized enemy, thereby enabling the
platoon to move out of the trap to a
more favorable tactical position. His
indomitable fighting spirit, fortitude,
and great personal valor maintained in
the face of overwhelming odds sustain
and enhance the finest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave
his life for his country. *RAMER,
GEORGE H. Rank and
organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve, Company I, 3d
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea,
12 September 1951. Entered service at:
Lewisburg, Pa. Born: 27 March 1927,
Meyersdale, Pa. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as leader of the 3d
Platoon in Company I, in action against
enemy aggressor forces. Ordered to
attack and seize hostile positions atop
a hall, vigorously defended by
well-entrenched enemy forces delivering
massed small-arms mortar, and machine
gun fire, 2d Lt. Ramer fearlessly led
his men up the steep slopes and although
he and the majority of his unit were
wounded during the ascent, boldly
continued to spearhead the assault. With
the terrain becoming more precipitous
near the summit and the climb more
perilous as the hostile forces added
grenades to the devastating hail of
fire, he staunchly carried the attack to
the top, personally annihilated 1 enemy
bunker with grenade and carbine fire and
captured the objective with his
remaining 8 men. Unable to hold the
position against an immediate,
overwhelming hostile counterattack, he
ordered his group to withdraw and
single-handedly fought the enemy to
furnish cover for his men and for the
evacuation of 3 fatally wounded marines.
Severely wounded a second time, 2d Lt.
Ramer refused aid when his men returned
to help him and, after ordering them to
seek shelter, courageously manned his
post until the hostile troops overran
his position and he fell mortally
wounded. His indomitable fighting
spirit, inspiring leadership and
unselfish concern for others in the face
of death, reflect the highest credit
upon 2d Lt. Ramer and the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country. *RED
CLOUD, MITCHELL, JR. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U S. Army,
Company E, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Chonghyon, Korea, 5 November 1950.
Entered service at: Merrilan Wis. Born:
2 July 1924, Hatfield, Wis. G.O. No.:
26, 25 April 1951. Citation: Cpl. Red
Cloud, Company E, distinguished himself
by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. From his
position on the point of a ridge
immediately in front of the company
command post he was the first to detect
the approach of the Chinese Communist
forces and give the alarm as the enemy
charged from a brush-covered area less
than 100 feet from him. Springing up he
delivered devastating pointblank
automatic rifle fire into the advancing
enemy. His accurate and intense fire
checked this assault and gained time for
the company to consolidate its defense.
With utter fearlessness he maintained
his firing position until severely
wounded by enemy fire. Refusing
assistance he pulled himself to his feet
and wrapping his arm around a tree
continued his deadly fire again, until
he was fatally wounded. This heroic act
stopped the enemy from overrunning his
company's position and gained time for
reorganization and evacuation of the
wounded. Cpl. Red Cloud's dauntless
courage and gallant self-sacrifice
reflects the highest credit upon himself
and upholds the esteemed traditions of
the U.S. Army. *REEM,
ROBERT DALE Rank and
organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company H, 3d Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Vicinity
Chinhung-ni, Korea, 6 November 1950.
Entered service at: Elizabethtown, Pa.
Born: 20 October 1925, Lancaster, Pa.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty as a
platoon commander in Company H, in
action against enemy aggressor forces.
Grimly determined to dislodge a group of
heavy enemy infantry units occupying
well-concealed and strongly fortified
positions on commanding ground
overlooking unprotected terrain. 2d Lt.
Reem moved slowly forward up the side of
the ridge with his platoon in the face
of a veritable hail of shattering
hostile machine gun, grenade, and rifle
fire. Three times repulsed by a resolute
enemy force in achieving his objective,
and pinned down by the continuing fury
of hostile fire, he rallied and
regrouped the heroic men in his depleted
and disorganized platoon in preparation
for a fourth attack. Issuing last-minute
orders to his noncommissioned officers
when an enemy grenade landed in a
depression of the rocky ground in which
the group was standing, 2d Lt. Reem
unhesitatingly chose to sacrifice
himself and, springing upon the deadly
missile, absorbed the full impact of the
explosion in his body, thus protecting
others from serious injury and possible
death. Stouthearted and indomitable, he
readily yielded his own chance of
survival that his subordinate leaders
might live to carry on the fight against
a fanatic enemy. His superb courage,
cool decisiveness, and valiant spirit of
self-sacrifice in the face of certain
death reflect the highest credit upon 2d
Lt. Reem and the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country
.
RODRIGUEZ, JOSEPH C. Rank and
organization: Sergeant (then Pfc.), U.S.
Army, Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Munye-ri, Korea, 21 May 1951.
Entered service at: California. Born: 14
November 1928, San Bernardino, Calif.
G.O. No.: 22, 5 February 1952. Citation:
Sgt. Rodriguez, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty in action against an
armed enemy of the United Nations. Sgt.
Rodriguez, an assistant squad leader of
the 2d Platoon, was participating in an
attack against a fanatical hostile force
occupying well-fortified positions on
rugged commanding terrain, when his
squad's advance was halted within
approximately 60 yards by a withering
barrage of automatic weapons and
small-arms fire from 5 emplacements
directly to the front and right and left
flanks, together with grenades which the
enemy rolled down the hill toward the
advancing troops. Fully aware of the
odds against him, Sgt. Rodriguez leaped
to his feet, dashed 60 yards up the
fire-swept slope, and, after lobbing
grenades into the first foxhole with
deadly accuracy, ran around the left
flank, silenced an automatic weapon with
2 grenades and continued his whirlwind
assault to the top of the peak, wiping
out 2 more foxholes and then, reaching
the right flank, he tossed grenades into
the remaining emplacement, destroying
the gun and annihilating its crew. Sgt.
Rodriguez' intrepid actions exacted a
toll of 15 enemy dead and, as a result
of his incredible display of valor, the
defense of the opposition was broken,
and the enemy routed, and the strategic
strongpoint secured. His unflinching
courage under fire and inspirational
devotion to duty reflect highest credit
on himself and uphold the honored
traditions of the military service. ROSSER,
RONALD E. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Heavy
Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Vicinity of Ponggilli, Korea, 12 January
1952. Entered service at: Crooksville,
Ohio. Born: 24 October 1929, Columbus,
Ohio. G.O. No.: 67, 7 July 1952.
Citation: Cpl. Rosser, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry above
and beyond the call of duty. While
assaulting heavily fortified enemy hill
positions, Company L, 38th Infantry
Regiment, was stopped by fierce
automatic-weapons, small-arms,
artillery, and mortar fire. Cpl. Rosser,
a forward observer was with the lead
platoon of Company L, when it came under
fire from 2 directions. Cpl. Rosser
turned his radio over to his assistant
and, disregarding the enemy fire,
charged the enemy positions armed with
only carbine and a grenade. At the first
bunker, he silenced its occupants with a
burst from his weapon. Gaining the top
of the hill, he killed 2 enemy soldiers,
and then went down the trench, killing 5
more as he advanced. He then hurled his
grenade into a bunker and shot 2 other
soldiers as they emerged. Having
exhausted his ammunition, he returned
through the enemy fire to obtain more
ammunition and grenades and charged the
hill once more. Calling on others to
follow him, he assaulted 2 more enemy
bunkers. Although those who attempted to
join him became casualties, Cpl. Rosser
once again exhausted his ammunition
obtained a new supply, and returning to
the hilltop a third time hurled grenades
into the enemy positions. During this
heroic action Cpl. Rosser
single-handedly killed at least 13 of
the enemy. After exhausting his
ammunition he accompanied the
withdrawing platoon, and though himself
wounded, made several trips across open
terrain still under enemy fire to help
remove other men injured more seriously
than himself. This outstanding soldier's
courageous and selfless devotion to duty
is worthy of emulation by all men. He
has contributed magnificently to the
high traditions of the military service.
Rank and
Organization: Coproral, U.S. Army,
Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st
Cavalry Division. Place and date:
Republic of Korea, 23 July 1950-20 April
1953.
*SCHOONOVER, DAN D. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Company A, 13th Engineer Combat
Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Sokkogae, Korea, 8 to 10
July 1953. Entered service at: Boise,
Idaho. Born: 8 October 1933, Boise,
Idaho. G.O. No.: 5, 14 January 1955.
Citation: Cpl. Schoonover, distinguished
himself by conspicuous gallantry and
outstanding courage above and beyond the
call of duty in action against the
enemy. He was in charge of an engineer
demolition squad attached to an infantry
company which was committed to dislodge
the enemy from a vital hill. Realizing
that the heavy fighting and intense
enemy fire made it impossible to carry
out his mission, he voluntarily employed
his unit as a rifle squad and, forging
up the steep barren slope, participated
in the assault on hostile positions.
When an artillery round exploded on the
roof of an enemy bunker, he courageously
ran forward and leaped into the
position, killing 1 hostile infantryman
and taking another prisoner. Later in
the action, when friendly forces were
pinned down by vicious fire from another
enemy bunker, he dashed through the hail
of fire, hurled grenades in the nearest
aperture, then ran to the doorway and
emptied his pistol, killing the
remainder of the enemy. His brave action
neutralized the position and enabled
friendly troops to continue their
advance to the crest of the hill. When
the enemy counterattacked he constantly
exposed himself to the heavy bombardment
to direct the fire of his men and to
call in an effective artillery barrage
on hostile forces. Although the company
was relieved early the following
morning, he voluntarily remained in the
area, manned a machine gun for several
hours, and subsequently joined another
assault on enemy emplacements. When last
seen he was operating an automatic rifle
with devastating effect until mortally
wounded by artillery fire. Cpl.
Schoonover's heroic leadership during 2
days of heavy fighting, superb personal
bravery, and willing self-sacrifice
inspired his comrades and saved many
lives, reflecting lasting glory upon
himself and upholding the honored
traditions of the military service.
SCHOWALTER, EDWARD R., JR. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, Company A, 31st Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Kumhwa, Korea, 14 October 1952.
Entered service at: Metairie, La. Born:
24 December 1927, New Orleans, La. G.O.
No.: 6, 28 January 1954. Citation: 1st
Lt. Schowalter, commanding, Company A,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and indomitable courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. Committed to attack
and occupy a key-approach to the primary
objective, the 1st Platoon of his
company came under heavy vicious
small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire
within 50 yards of the enemy-held
strongpoint, halting the advance and
inflicting several casualties. The 2d
Platoon moved up in support at this
juncture, and although wounded, 1st Lt.
Schowalter continued to spearhead the
assault. Nearing the objective he was
severely wounded by a grenade fragment
but, refusing medical aid, he led his
men into the trenches and began routing
the enemy from the bunkers with
grenades. Suddenly from a burst of fire
from a hidden cove off the trench he was
again wounded. Although suffering from
his wounds, he refused to relinquish
command and continued issuing orders and
encouraging his men until the commanding
ground was secured and then he was
evacuated. 1st Lt. Schowalter's
unflinching courage, extraordinary
heroism, and inspirational leadership
reflect the highest credit upon himself
and are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service. *SEBILLE,
LOUIS J. Rank and
organization: Major, U.S. Air Force,
67th Fighter-Bomber Squadron, 18th
Fighter-Bomber Group, 5th Air Force.
Place and date: Near Hanchang, Korea, 5
August 1950. Entered service at:
Chicago, Ill. Born: 21 November 1915,
Harbor Beach. Mich. Citation: Maj.
Sebille, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty. During an attack on a
camouflaged area containing a
concentration of enemy troops,
artillery, and armored vehicles, Maj.
Sebille's F-51 aircraft was severely
damaged by antiaircraft fire. Although
fully cognizant of the short period he
could remain airborne, he deliberately
ignored the possibility of survival by
abandoning the aircraft or by crash
landing, and continued his attack
against the enemy forces threatening the
security of friendly ground troops. In
his determination to inflict maximum
damage upon the enemy, Maj. Sebille
again exposed himself to the intense
fire of enemy gun batteries and dived on
the target to his death. The superior
leadership, daring, and selfless
devotion to duty which he displayed in
the execution of an extremely dangerous
mission were an inspiration to both his
subordinates and superiors and reflect
the highest credit upon himself, the
U.S. Air Force, and the armed forces of
the United Nations. *SHEA,
RICHARD T., JR. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, Company A 17th Infantry Regiment,
7th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Sokkogae, Korea, 6 to 8 July 1953.
Entered service at: Portsmouth, Va.
Born: 3 January 1927, Portsmouth, Va.
G.O. No.: 38, 8 June 1955. Citation: 1st
Lt. Shea, executive officer, Company A,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and indomitable courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. On the night of 6
July, he was supervising the
reinforcement of defensive positions
when the enemy attacked with great
numerical superiority. Voluntarily
proceeding to the area most threatened,
he organized and led a counterattack
and, in the bitter fighting which
ensued, closed with and killed 2 hostile
soldiers with his trench knife. Calmly
moving among the men, checking
positions, steadying and urging the
troops to hold firm, he fought side by
side with them throughout the night.
Despite heavy losses, the hostile force
pressed the assault with determination,
and at dawn made an all-out attempt to
overrun friendly elements. Charging
forward to meet the challenge, 1st Lt.
Shea and his gallant men drove back the
hostile troops. Elements of Company G
joined the defense on the afternoon of 7
July, having lost key personnel through
casualties. Immediately integrating
these troops into his unit, 1st Lt. Shea
rallied a group of 20 men and again
charged the enemy. Although wounded in
this action, he refused evacuation and
continued to lead the counterattack.
When the assaulting element was pinned
down by heavy machine gun fire, he
personally rushed the emplacement and,
firing his carbine and lobbing grenades
with deadly accuracy, neutralized the
weapon and killed 3 of the enemy. With
forceful leadership and by his heroic
example, 1st Lt. Shea coordinated and
directed a holding action throughout the
night and the following morning. On 8
July, the enemy attacked again. Despite
additional wounds, he launched a
determined counterattack and was last
seen in close hand-to-hand combat with
the enemy. 1st Lt. Shea's inspirational
leadership and unflinching courage set
an illustrious example of valor to the
men of his regiment, reflecting lasting
glory upon himself and upholding the
noble traditions of the military
service. *SHUCK,
WILLIAM E., JR. Rank and
organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 3 July
1952. Entered service at: Cumberland,
Md. Born. 16 August 1926, Cumberland,
Md. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a squad leader of Company G,
in action against enemy aggressor
forces. When his platoon was subjected
to a devastating barrage of enemy
small-arms, grenade, artillery, and
mortar fire during an assault against
strongly fortified hill positions well
forward of the main line of resistance,
S/Sgt. Shuck, although painfully
wounded, refused medical attention and
continued to lead his machine gun squad
in the attack. Unhesitatingly assuming
command of a rifle squad when the leader
became a casualty, he skillfully
organized the 2 squads into an attacking
force and led 2 more daring assaults
upon the hostile positions. Wounded a
second time, he steadfastly refused
evacuation and remained in the foremost
position under heavy fire until assured
that all dead and wounded were
evacuated. Mortally wounded by an enemy
sniper bullet while voluntarily
assisting in the removal of the last
casualty, S/Sgt. Shuck, by his fortitude
and great personal valor in the face of
overwhelming odds, served to inspire all
who observed him. His unyielding courage
throughout reflects the highest credit
upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his
country. SIMANEK,
ROBERT E . Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion,
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 17
August 1952. Entered service at:
Detroit, Mich. Born: 26 April 1930,
Detroit, Mich. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving with Company F, in
action against enemy aggressor forces.
While accompanying a patrol en route to
occupy a combat outpost forward of
friendly lines, Pfc. Simanek exhibited a
high degree of courage and a resolute
spirit of self-sacrifice in protecting
the lives of his fellow marines. With
his unit ambushed by an intense
concentration of enemy mortar and
small-arms fire, and suffering heavy
casualties, he was forced to seek cover
with the remaining members of the patrol
in a nearby trench line. Determined to
save his comrades when a hostile grenade
was hurled into their midst, he
unhesitatingly threw himself on the
deadly missile absorbing the shattering
violence of the exploding charge in his
body and shielding his fellow marines
from serious injury or death. Gravely
wounded as a result of his heroic
action, Pfc. Simanek, by his daring
initiative and great personal valor in
the face of almost certain death, served
to inspire all who observed him and
upheld the highest traditions of the
U.S. Naval Service. *SITMAN,
WILLIAM S. Rank and
organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, Company M, 23d Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Chipyong-ni, Korea, 14 February
1951. Entered service at: Bellwood, Pa.
Birth: Bellwood, Pa. G.O. No.: 20, 1
February 1952. Citation: Sfc. Sitman
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action
against an armed enemy of the United
Nations. Sfc. Sitman, a machine gun
section leader of Company M, was
attached to Company I, under attack by a
numerically superior hostile force.
During the encounter when an enemy
grenade knocked out his machine gun, a
squad from Company I, immediately
emplaced a light machine gun and Sfc.
Sitman and his men remained to provide
security for the crew. In the ensuing
action, the enemy lobbed a grenade into
the position and Sfc. Sitman, fully
aware of the odds against him,
selflessly threw himself on it,
absorbing the full force of the
explosion with his body. Although
mortally wounded in this fearless
display of valor, his intrepid act saved
5 men from death or serious injury, and
enabled them to continue inflicting
withering fire on the ruthless foe
throughout the attack. Sfc. Sitman's
noble self-sacrifice and consummate
devotion to duty reflect lasting glory
on himself and uphold the honored
traditions of the military service. SITTER,
CARL L. Rank and
organization: Captain, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company G, 3d Battalion, 1st
Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
Place and date: Hagaru-ri, Korea, 29 and
30 November 1950. Entered service at:
Pueblo, Colo. Born: 2 December 1921,
Syracuse, Mo. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty as commanding officer of Company G,
in action against enemy aggressor
forces. Ordered to break through
enemy-infested territory to reinforce
his battalion the morning of 29
November, Capt. Sitter continuously
exposed himself to enemy fire as he led
his company forward and, despite 25
percent casualties suffered m the
furious action, succeeded in driving
through to his objective. Assuming the
responsibility of attempting to seize
and occupy a strategic area occupied by
a hostile force of regiment strength
deeply entrenched on a snow-covered hill
commanding the entire valley southeast
of the town, as well as the line of
march of friendly troops withdrawing to
the south, he reorganized his depleted
units the following morning and boldly
led them up the steep, frozen hillside
under blistering fire, encouraging and
redeploying his troops as casualties
occurred and directing forward platoons
as they continued the drive to the top
of the ridge. During the night when a
vastly outnumbering enemy launched a
sudden, vicious counterattack, setting
the hill ablaze with mortar, machine
gun, and automatic-weapons fire and
taking a heavy toll in troops, Capt.
Sitter visited each foxhole and gun
position, coolly deploying and
integrating reinforcing units consisting
of service personnel unfamiliar with
infantry tactics into a coordinated
combat team and instilling in every man
the will and determination to hold his
position at all costs. With the enemy
penetrating his lines in repeated
counterattacks which often required
hand-to-hand combat, and, on one
occasion infiltrating to the command
post with handgrenades, he fought
gallantly with his men in repulsing and
killing the fanatic attackers in each
encounter. Painfully wounded in the
face, arms, and chest by bursting
grenades, he staunchly refused to be
evacuated and continued to fight on
until a successful defense of the area
was assured with a loss to the enemy of
more than 50 percent dead, wounded, and
captured. His valiant leadership, superb
tactics, and great personal valor
throughout 36 hours of bitter combat
reflect the highest credit upon Capt.
Sitter and the U.S. Naval Service. *SKINNER,
SHERROD E., JR. Rank and
organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve, Battery F, 2d
Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea,
26 October 1952. Entered service at:
East Lansing, Mich. Born: 29 October
1929, Hartford, Conn. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as an artillery forward
observer of Battery F, in action against
enemy aggressor forces on the night of
26 October 1952. When his observation
post in an extremely critical and vital
sector of the main line of resistance
was subjected to a sudden and fanatical
attack by hostile forces, supported by a
devastating barrage of artillery and
mortar fire which completely severed
communication lines connecting the
outpost with friendly firing batteries,
2d Lt. Skinner, in a determined effort
to hold his position, immediately
organized and directed the surviving
personnel in the defense of the outpost,
continuing to call down fire on the
enemy by means of radio alone until his
equipment became damaged beyond repair.
Undaunted by the intense hostile barrage
and the rapidly-closing attackers, he
twice left the protection of his bunker
in order to direct accurate machine gun
fire and to replenish the depleted
supply of ammunition and grenades.
Although painfully wounded on each
occasion, he steadfastly refused medical
aid until the rest of the men received
treatment. As the ground attack reached
its climax, he gallantly directed the
final defense until the meager supply of
ammunition was exhausted and the
position overrun. During the 3 hours
that the outpost was occupied by the
enemy, several grenades were thrown into
the bunker which served as protection
for 2d Lt. Skinner and his remaining
comrades. Realizing that there was no
chance for other than passive
resistance, he directed his men to feign
death even though the hostile troops
entered the bunker and searched their
persons. Later, when an enemy grenade
was thrown between him and 2 other
survivors, he immediately threw himself
on the deadly missile in an effort to
protect the others, absorbing the full
force of the explosion and sacrificing
his life for his comrades. By his
indomitable fighting spirit, superb
leadership, and great personal valor in
the face of tremendous odds, 2d Lt.
Skinner served to inspire his fellow
marines in their heroic stand against
the enemy and upheld the highest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He
gallantly gave his life for his country.
*SMITH,
DAVID M. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Yongsan, Korea, 1 September 1950.
Entered service at: Livingston, Ky.
Born: 10 November 1926, Livingston, Ky.
G.O. No.: 78, 21 August 1952. Citation:
Pfc. Smith, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and outstanding
courage above and beyond the call of
duty in action. Pfc. Smith was a gunner
in the mortar section of Company E,
emplaced in rugged mountainous terrain
and under attack by a numerically
superior hostile force. Bitter fighting
ensued and the enemy overran forward
elements, infiltrated the perimeter, and
rendered friendly positions untenable.
The mortar section was ordered to
withdraw, but the enemy had encircled
and closed in on the position. Observing
a grenade lobbed at his emplacement,
Pfc. Smith shouted a warning to his
comrades and, fully aware of the odds
against him, flung himself upon it and
smothered the explosion with his body.
Although mortally wounded in this
display of valor, his intrepid act saved
5 men from death or serious injury. Pfc.
Smith's inspirational conduct and
supreme sacrifice reflect lasting glory
on himself and are in keeping with the
noble traditions of the infantry of the
U.S. Army.
*SPEICHER, CLIFTON T. Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Army,
Company F, 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Minarigol, Korea, 14 June 1952. Entered
service at: Gray, Pa. Born: 25 March
1931, Gray, Pa. G.O. No.: 65, 19 August
1953. Citation: Cpl. Speicher
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and indomitable courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. While participating
in an assault to secure a key terrain
feature, Cpl. Speicher's squad was
pinned down by withering small-arms
mortar, and machine gun fire. Although
already wounded he left the comparative
safety of his position, and made a
daring charge against the machine gun
emplacement. Within 10 yards of the
goal, he was again wounded by small-arms
fire but continued on, entered the
bunker, killed 2 hostile soldiers with
his rifle, a third with his bayonet, and
silenced the machine gun. Inspired by
this incredible display of valor, the
men quickly moved up and completed the
mission. Dazed and shaken, he walked to
the foot of the hill where he collapsed
and died. Cpl. Speicher's consummate
sacrifice and unflinching devotion to
duty reflect lasting glory upon himself
and uphold the noble traditions of the
military service. STONE,
JAMES L. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, Company E 8th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division. Place and date:
Near Sokkogae, Korea, 21 and 22 November
1951. Entered service at: Houston Tex.
Born: 27 December 1922, Pine Bluff, Ark.
G.O. No.: 82, 20 October 1953. Citation:
1st Lt. Stone, distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and indomitable
courage above and beyond the call of
duty in action against the enemy. When
his platoon, holding a vital outpost
position, was attacked by overwhelming
Chinese forces, 1st Lt. Stone stood
erect and exposed to the terrific enemy
fire calmly directed his men in the
defense. A defensive flame-thrower
failing to function, he personally moved
to its location, further exposing
himself, and personally repaired the
weapon. Throughout a second attack, 1st
Lt. Stone; though painfully wounded,
personally carried the only remaining
light machine gun from place to place in
the position in order to bring fire upon
the Chinese advancing from 2 directions.
Throughout he continued to encourage and
direct his depleted platoon in its
hopeless defense. Although again
wounded, he continued the fight with his
carbine, still exposing himself as an
example to his men. When this final
overwhelming assault swept over the
platoon's position his voice could still
be heard faintly urging his men to carry
on, until he lost consciousness. Only
because of this officer's driving spirit
and heroic action was the platoon
emboldened to make its brave but
hopeless last ditch stand. *STORY,
LUTHER H. Rank and
organization Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company A, 9th Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Agok, Korea, 1 September 1950.
Entered service at: Georgia. Born: 20
July 1931, Buena Vista, Ga. G.O. No.:
70, 2 August 1951. Citation: Pfc. Story,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action. A
savage daylight attack by elements of 3
enemy divisions penetrated the thinly
held lines of the 9th Infantry. Company
A beat off several banzai attacks but
was bypassed and in danger of being cut
off and surrounded. Pfc. Story, a
weapons squad leader, was heavily
engaged in stopping the early attacks
and had just moved his squad to a
position overlooking the Naktong River
when he observed a large group of the
enemy crossing the river to attack
Company A. Seizing a machine gun from
his wounded gunner he placed deadly fire
on the hostile column killing or
wounding an estimated 100 enemy
soldiers. Facing certain encirclement
the company commander ordered a
withdrawal. During the move Pfc. Story
noticed the approach of an enemy truck
loaded with troops and towing an
ammunition trailer. Alerting his
comrades to take cover he fearlessly
stood in the middle of the road,
throwing grenades into the truck. Out of
grenades he crawled to his squad,
gathered up additional grenades and
again attacked the vehicle. During the
withdrawal the company was attacked by
such superior numbers that it was forced
to deploy in a rice field. Pfc. Story
was wounded in this action, but,
disregarding his wounds, rallied the men
about him and repelled the attack.
Realizing that his wounds would hamper
his comrades he refused to retire to the
next position but remained to cover the
company's withdrawal. When last seen he
was firing every weapon available and
fighting off another hostile assault.
Private Story's extraordinary heroism,
aggressive leadership, and supreme
devotion to duty reflect the highest
credit upon himself and were in keeping
with the esteemed traditions of the
military service. *SUDUT,
JEROME A. Rank and
organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S.
Army, Company B, 27th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Kumhwa, Korea, 12 September 1951.
Entered service at: Wisconsin. Birth:
Wausau, Wis. G.O. No.: 31, 21 March
1952. Citation: 2d Lt. Sudut
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry above and beyond the call of
duty in action against the enemy. His
platoon, attacking heavily fortified and
strategically located hostile
emplacements, had been stopped by
intense fire from a large bunker
containing several firing posts. Armed
with submachinegun, pistol, and
grenades, 2d Lt. Sudut charged the
emplacement alone through vicious
hostile fire, killing 3 of the occupants
and dispersing the remainder. Painfully
wounded, he returned to reorganize his
platoon, refused evacuation and led his
men in a renewed attack. The enemy had
returned to the bunker by means of
connecting trenches from other
emplacements and the platoon was again
halted by devastating fire. Accompanied
by an automatic-rifleman 2d Lt. Sudut
again charged into close-range fire to
eliminate the position. When the
rifleman was wounded, 2d Lt. Sudut
seized his weapon and continued alone,
killing 3 of the 4 remaining occupants.
Though mortally wounded and his
ammunition exhausted, he jumped into the
emplacement and killed the remaining
enemy soldier with his trench knife. His
single-handed assaults so inspired his
comrades that they continued the attack
and drove the enemy from the hill,
securing the objective. 2d Lt. Sudut's
consummate fighting spirit, outstanding
leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice
are in keeping with the finest
traditions of the infantry and the U.S.
Army.
*THOMPSON, WILLIAM. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, 24th Company M, 24th Infantry
Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Haman, Korea, 6 August
1950. Entered service at: Bronx, N.Y.
Birth: New York, N.Y. G.O. No.: 63, 2
August 1951. Citation: Pfc. Thompson,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. While his platoon was
reorganizing under cover of darkness,
fanatical enemy forces in overwhelming
strength launched a surprise attack on
the unit. Pfc. Thompson set up his
machine gun in the path of the onslaught
and swept the enemy with withering fire,
pinning them down momentarily thus
permitting the remainder of his platoon
to withdraw to a more tenable position.
Although hit repeatedly by grenade
fragments and small-arms fire, he
resisted all efforts of his comrades to
induce him to withdraw, steadfastly
remained at his machine gun and
continued to deliver deadly, accurate
fire until mortally wounded by an enemy
grenade. Pfc. Thompson's dauntless
courage and gallant self-sacrifice
reflect the highest credit on himself
and uphold the esteemed traditions of
military service. *TURNER,
CHARLES W. Rank and
organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S.
Army, 2d Reconnaissance Company, 2d
Infantry Division. Place and date: Near
Yongsan, Korea, 1 September 1950.
Entered service at: Massachusetts.
Birth: Boston, Mass. G.O. No.: 10, 16
February 1951. Citation: Sfc. Turner
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. A large enemy force
launched a mortar and automatic weapon
supported assault against his platoon.
Sfc. Turner, a section leader, quickly
organized his unit for defense and then
observed that the attack was directed at
the tank section 100 yards away. Leaving
his secured section he dashed through a
hail of fire to the threatened position
and, mounting a tank, manned the exposed
turret machine gun. Disregarding the
intense enemy fire he calmly held this
position delivering deadly accurate fire
and pointing out targets for the tank's
75mm. gun. His action resulted in the
destruction of 7 enemy machine gun
nests. Although severely wounded he
remained at the gun shouting
encouragement to his comrades. During
the action the tank received over 50
direct hits; the periscopes and antenna
were shot away and 3 rounds hit the
machine gun mount. Despite this fire he
remained at his post until a burst of
enemy fire cost him his life. This
intrepid and heroic performance enabled
the platoon to withdraw and later launch
an attack which routed the enemy. Sfc.
Turner's valor and example reflect the
highest credit upon himself and are in
keeping with the esteemed traditions of
the U.S. Army. VAN
WINKLE, ARCHIE Rank and
organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date:
Vicinity of Sudong, Korea, 2 November
1950. Entered service at: Arlington,
Wash. Born: 17 March 1925, Juneau,
Alaska. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a platoon sergeant
in Company B, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. Immediately rallying
the men in his area after a fanatical
and numerically superior enemy force
penetrated the center of the line under
cover of darkness and pinned down the
platoon with a devastating barrage of
deadly automatic weapons and grenade
fire, S/Sgt. Van Winkle boldly
spearheaded a determined attack through
withering fire against hostile frontal
positions and, though he and all the
others who charged with him were
wounded, succeeded in enabling his
platoon to gain the fire superiority and
the opportunity to reorganize. Realizing
that the left flank squad was isolated
from the rest of the unit, he rushed
through 40 yards of fierce enemy fire to
reunite his troops despite an elbow
wound which rendered 1 of his arms
totally useless. Severely wounded a
second time when a direct hit in the
chest from a hostile hand grenade caused
serious and painful wounds, he staunchly
refused evacuation and continued to
shout orders and words of encouragement
to his depleted and battered platoon.
Finally carried from his position
unconscious from shock and from loss of
blood, S/Sgt. Van Winkle served to
inspire all who observed him to heroic
efforts in successfully repulsing the
enemy attack. His superb leadership,
valiant fighting spirit, and unfaltering
devotion to duty in the face of heavy
odds reflect the highest credit upon
himself and the U.S. Naval Service. *VITTORI,
JOSEPH Rank and
organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine
Corps Reserve, Company F, 2d Battalion,
1st Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Hill 749,
Korea, 15 and 16 September 1951. Entered
service at: Beverly, Mass. Born: 1
August 1929, Beverly, Mass. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as an automatic-rifleman in
Company F, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. With a forward platoon
suffering heavy casualties and forced to
withdraw under a vicious enemy
counterattack as his company assaulted
strong hostile forces entrenched on Hill
749, Cpl. Vittori boldly rushed through
the withdrawing troops with 2 other
volunteers from his reserve platoon and
plunged directly into the midst of the
enemy. Overwhelming them in a fierce
hand-to-hand struggle, he enabled his
company to consolidate its positions to
meet further imminent onslaughts. Quick
to respond to an urgent call for a
rifleman to defend a heavy machine gun
positioned on the extreme point of the
northern flank and virtually isolated
from the remainder of the unit when the
enemy again struck in force during the
night, he assumed position under the
devastating barrage and, fighting a
single-handed battle, leaped from 1
flank to the other, covering each
foxhole in turn as casualties continued
to mount manning a machine gun when the
gunner was struck down and making
repeated trips through the heaviest
shellfire to replenish ammunition. With
the situation becoming extremely
critical, reinforcing units to the rear
pinned down under the blistering attack
and foxholes left practically void by
dead and wounded for a distance of 100
yards, Cpl. Vittori continued his
valiant stand, refusing to give ground
as the enemy penetrated to within feet
of his position, simulating strength in
the line and denying the foe physical
occupation of the ground. Mortally
wounded by the enemy machine gun and
rifle bullets while persisting in his
magnificent defense of the sector where
approximately 200 enemy dead were found
the following morning, Cpl. Vittori, by
his fortitude, stouthearted courage, and
great personal valor, had kept the point
position intact despite the tremendous
odds and undoubtedly prevented the
entire battalion position from
collapsing. His extraordinary heroism
throughout the furious nightlong battle
reflects the highest credit upon himself
and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
*WALMSLEY, JOHN S., JR. Rank and
organization: Captain, U.S. Air Force,
8th Bombardment Squadron, 3d Bomb Group.
Place and date: Near Yangdok, Korea, 14
September 1951. Entered service at:
Baltimore, Md. Born. 7 January 1920,
Baltimore, Md. Citation: Capt. Walmsley,
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of
duty. While flying a B-26 aircraft on a
night combat mission with the objective
of developing new tactics, Capt.
Walmsley sighted an enemy supply train
which had been assigned top priority as
a target of opportunity. He immediately
attacked, producing a strike which
disabled the train, and, when his
ammunition was expended, radioed for
friendly aircraft in the area to
complete destruction of the target.
Employing the searchlight mounted on his
aircraft, he guided another B-26
aircraft to the target area, meanwhile
constantly exposing himself to enemy
fire. Directing an incoming B-26 pilot,
he twice boldly aligned himself with the
target, his searchlight illuminating the
area, in a determined effort to give the
attacking aircraft full visibility. As
the friendly aircraft prepared for the
attack, Capt. Walmsley descended into
the valley in a low level run over the
target with searchlight blazing,
selflessly exposing himself to vicious
enemy antiaircraft fire. In his
determination to inflict maximum damage
on the enemy, he refused to employ
evasive tactics and valiantly pressed
forward straight through an intense
barrage, thus insuring complete
destruction of the enemy's vitally
needed war cargo. While he courageously
pressed his attack Capt. Walmsley's
plane was hit and crashed into the
surrounding mountains, exploding upon
impact. His heroic initiative and daring
aggressiveness in completing this
important mission in the face of
overwhelming opposition and at the risk
of his life, reflects the highest credit
upon himself and the U.S. Air Force. *WATKINS,
LEWIS G. Rank and
organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company I, 3d Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 7
October 1952. Entered service at:
Seneca, S.C. Born. 6 June 1925, Seneca,
S.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as a guide of a rifle platoon of
Company I, in action against enemy
aggressor forces during the hours of
darkness on the morning of 7 October
1952. With his platoon assigned the
mission of retaking an outpost which had
been overrun by the enemy earlier in the
night, S/Sgt. Watkins skillfully led his
unit in the assault up the designated
hill. Although painfully wounded when a
well-entrenched hostile force at the
crest of the hill engaged the platoon
with intense small-arms and grenade
fire, he gallantly continued to lead his
men. Obtaining an automatic rifle from 1
of the wounded men, he assisted in
pinning down an enemy machine gun
holding up the assault. When an enemy
grenade landed among S/Sgt. Watkins and
several other marines while they were
moving forward through a trench on the
hill crest, he immediately pushed his
companions aside, placed himself in a
position to shield them and picked up
the deadly missile in an attempt to
throw it outside the trench. Mortally
wounded when the grenade exploded in his
hand, S/Sgt. Watkins, by his great
personal valor in the face of almost
certain death, saved the lives of
several of his comrades and contributed
materially to the success of the
mission. His extraordinary heroism,
inspiring leadership, and resolute
spirit of self-sacrifice reflect the
highest credit upon himself and enhance
the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country. *WATKINS,
TRAVIS E. Rank and
organization: Master Sergeant, U.S.
Army, Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment,
2d Infantry Division Place and date:
Near Yongsan, Korea, 31 August through 3
September 1950. Entered service at:
Texas. Birth: Waldo, Ark. G.O. No.: 9,
16 February 1951. Citation: M/Sgt.
Watkins distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in
action against the enemy. When an
overwhelming enemy force broke through
and isolated 30 men of his unit, he took
command, established a perimeter defense
and directed action which repelled
continuous, fanatical enemy assaults.
With his group completely surrounded and
cut off, he moved from foxhole to
foxhole exposing himself to enemy fire,
giving instructions and offering
encouragement to his men. Later when the
need for ammunition and grenades became
critical he shot 2 enemy soldiers 50
yards outside the perimeter and went out
alone for their ammunition and weapons.
As he picked up their weapons he was
attacked by 3 others and wounded.
Returning their fire he killed all 3 and
gathering up the weapons of the 5 enemy
dead returned to his amazed comrades.
During a later assault, 6 enemy soldiers
gained a defiladed spot and began to
throw grenades into the perimeter making
it untenable. Realizing the desperate
situation and disregarding his wound he
rose from his foxhole to engage them
with rifle fire. Although immediately
hit by a burst from an enemy machine gun
he continued to fire until he had killed
the grenade throwers. With this threat
eliminated he collapsed and despite
being paralyzed from the waist down,
encouraged his men to hold on. He
refused all food, saving it for his
comrades, and when it became apparent
that help would not arrive in time to
hold the position ordered his men to
escape to friendly lines. Refusing
evacuation as his hopeless condition
would burden his comrades, he remained
in his position and cheerfully wished
them luck. Through his aggressive
leadership and intrepid actions, this
small force destroyed nearly 500 of the
enemy before abandoning their position.
M/Sgt. Watkins' sustained personal
bravery and noble self-sacrifice reflect
the highest glory upon himself and is in
keeping with the esteemed traditions of
the U.S. Army. WEST,
ERNEST E. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company L, 14th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Near Sataeri, Korea, 12 October 1952.
Entered service at: Wurtland Ky. Born: 2
September 1931, Russell, Ky. G.O. No.:
7, 29 January i954. Citation: Pfc. West
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry above and beyond the call of
duty in action against the enemy. He
voluntarily accompanied a contingent to
locate and destroy a reported enemy
outpost. Nearing the objective, the
patrol was ambushed and suffered
numerous casualties. Observing his
wounded leader lying in an exposed
position, Pfc. West ordered the troops
to withdraw, then braved intense fire to
reach and assist him. While attempting
evacuation, he was attacked by 3 hostile
soldiers employing grenades and
small-arms fire. Quickly shifting his
body to shelter the officer, he killed
the assailants with his rifle, then
carried the helpless man to safety. He
was critically wounded and lost an eye
in this action. but courageously
returned through withering fire and
bursting shells to assist the wounded.
While evacuating 2 comrades, he closed
with and killed 3 more of the foe. Pfc.
West's indomitable spirit, consummate
valor, and intrepid actions inspired all
who observed him, reflect the highest
credit on himself, and uphold the
honored traditions of the military
service. WILSON,
BENJAMIN F. Rank and
organization: First Lieutenant (then
M/Sgt.), U.S. Army Company I, 31st
Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry
Division. Place and date: Near
Hwach'on-Myon, Korea, 5 June 1951.
Entered service at: Vashon, Wash. Birth:
Vashon, Wash. G.O. No.: 69, 23 September
1954. Citation: 1st Lt. Wilson
distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and indomitable courage above
and beyond the call of duty in action
against the enemy. Company I was
committed to attack and secure
commanding terrain stubbornly defended
by a numerically superior hostile force
emplaced in well-fortified positions.
When the spearheading element was pinned
down by withering hostile fire, he
dashed forward and, firing his rifle and
throwing grenades, neutralized the
position denying the advance and killed
4 enemy soldiers manning submachineguns.
After the assault platoon moved up,
occupied the position, and a base of
fire was established, he led a bayonet
attack which reduced the objective and
killed approximately 27 hostile
soldiers. While friendly forces were
consolidating the newly won gain, the
enemy launched a counterattack and 1st
Lt. Wilson, realizing the imminent
threat of being overrun, made a
determined lone-man charge, killing 7
and wounding 2 of the enemy, and routing
the remainder in disorder. After the
position was organized, he led an
assault carrying to approximately 15
yards of the final objective, when enemy
fire halted the advance. He ordered the
platoon to withdraw and, although
painfully wounded in this action,
remained to provide covering fire.
During an ensuing counterattack, the
commanding officer and 1st Platoon
leader became casualties.
Unhesitatingly, 1st Lt. Wilson charged
the enemy ranks and fought valiantly,
killing 3 enemy soldiers with his rifle
before it was wrested from his hands,
and annihilating 4 others with his
entrenching tool. His courageous
delaying action enabled his comrades to
reorganize and effect an orderly
withdrawal. While directing evacuation
of the wounded, he suffered a second
wound, but elected to remain on the
position until assured that all of the
men had reached safety. 1st Lt. Wilson's
sustained valor and intrepid actions
reflect utmost credit upon himself and
uphold the honored traditions of the
military service. WILSON,
HAROLD E. Rank and
organization: Technical Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps Reserve, Company G, 3d
Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine
Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea,
23-24 April 1951. Entered service at:
Birmingham, Ala. Born: S December 1921,
Birmingham, Ala. Citation: For gallantry
and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while
serving as platoon sergeant of a rifle
platoon attached to Company G, in action
against enemy aggressor forces on the
night of 23-24 April 1951. When the
company outpost was overrun by the enemy
while his platoon, firing from hastily
constructed foxholes, was engaged in
resisting the brunt of a fierce mortar,
machine gun, grenade, and small-arms
attack launched by hostile forces from
high ground under cover of darkness,
T/Sgt. Wilson braved intense fire to
assist the survivors back into the line
and to direct the treatment of
casualties. Although twice wounded by
gunfire, in the right arm and the left
leg, he refused medical aid for himself
and continued to move about among his
men, shouting words of encouragement.
After receiving further wounds in the
head and shoulder as the attack
increased in intensity, he again
insisted upon remaining with his unit.
Unable to use either arm to fire, and
with mounting casualties among our
forces, he resupplied his men with
rifles and ammunition taken from the
wounded. Personally reporting to his
company commander on several occasions,
he requested and received additional
assistance when the enemy attack became
even more fierce and, after placing the
reinforcements in strategic positions in
the line, directed effective fire until
blown off his feet by the bursting of a
hostile mortar round in his face. Dazed
and suffering from concussion, he still
refused medical aid and, despite
weakness from loss of blood, moved from
foxhole to foxhole, directing fire,
resupplying ammunition, rendering first
aid, and encouraging his men. By his
heroic actions in the face of almost
certain death, when the unit's ability
to hold the disadvantageous position was
doubtful, he instilled confidence in his
troops, inspiring them to rally
repeatedly and turn back the furious
assaults. At dawn, after the final
attack had been repulsed, he personally
accounted for each man in his platoon
before walking unassisted l/2 mile to
the aid station where he submitted to
treatment. His outstanding courage,
initiative, and skilled leadership in
the face of overwhelming odds were
contributing factors in the success of
his company's mission and reflect the
highest credit upon T/Sgt. Wilson and
the U.S. Naval Service. *WILSON,
RICHARD G. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Co. 1, Medical Company, 187th
Airborne Infantry Regiment. Place and
date: Opari, Korea, 21 October 1950.
Entered service at: Cape Girardeau Mo.
Born: 19 August 1931, Marion, Ill. G.O.
No.: 64, 2 August 1951. Citation: Pfc.
Wilson distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in
action. As medical aid man attached to
Company I, he accompanied the unit
during a reconnaissance in force through
the hilly country near Opari. The main
body of the company was passing through
a narrow valley flanked on 3 sides by
high hills when the enemy laid down a
barrage of mortar, automatic-weapons and
small-arms fire. The company suffered a
large number of casualties from the
intense hostile fire while fighting its
way out of the ambush. Pfc. Wilson
proceeded at once to move among the
wounded and administered aid to them
oblivious of the danger to himself,
constantly exposing himself to hostile
fire. The company commander ordered a
withdrawal as the enemy threatened to
encircle and isolate the company. As his
unit withdrew Private Wilson assisted
wounded men to safety and assured
himself that none were left behind.
After the company had pulled back he
learned that a comrade previously
thought dead had been seen to be moving
and attempting to crawl to safety.
Despite the protests of his comrades,
unarmed and facing a merciless enemy,
Pfc. Wilson returned to the dangerous
position in search of his comrade. Two
days later a patrol found him lying
beside the man he returned to aid. He
had been shot several times while trying
to shield and administer aid to the
wounded man. Pfc. Wilson's superb
personal bravery, consummate courage and
willing self-sacrifice for his comrades
reflect untold glory upon himself and
uphold the esteemed traditions of the
military service.
*WINDRICH, WILLIAM G. Rank and
organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company I, 3d Battalion,
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Vicinity of
Yudam-ni, Korea, 1 December 1950.
Entered service at: Hammond, Ind. Born:
14 May 1921, Chicago, Ill. Citation: For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at
the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty as a platoon sergeant
of Company I, in action against enemy
aggressor forces the night of 1 December
1950. Promptly organizing a squad of men
when the enemy launched a sudden,
vicious counterattack against the
forward elements of his company's
position, rendering it untenable, S/Sgt.
Windrich, armed with a carbine,
spearheaded the assault to the top of
the knoll immediately confronting the
overwhelming forces and, under
shattering hostile automatic-weapons,
mortar, and grenade fire, directed
effective fire to hold back the
attackers and cover the withdrawal of
our troops to commanding ground. With 7
of his men struck down during the
furious action and himself wounded in
the head by a bursting grenade, he made
his way to his company's position and,
organizing a small group of volunteers,
returned with them to evacuate the
wounded and dying from the frozen
hillside, staunchly refusing medical
attention himself. Immediately
redeploying the remainder of his troops,
S/Sgt. Windrich placed them on the left
flank of the defensive sector before the
enemy again attacked in force. Wounded
in the leg during the bitter fight that
followed, he bravely fought on with his
men, shouting words of encouragement and
directing their fire until the attack
was repelled. Refusing evacuation
although unable to stand, he still
continued to direct his platoon in
setting up defensive positions until
weakened by the bitter cold, excessive
loss of blood, and severe pain, he
lapsed into unconsciousness and died.
His valiant leadership, fortitude, and
courageous fighting spirit against
tremendous odds served to inspire others
to heroic endeavor in holding the
objective and reflect the highest credit
upon S/Sgt. Windrich and the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country. *WOMACK,
BRYANT E. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Medical Company, 14th Infantry
Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Sokso-ri, Korea, 12 March
1952. Entered service at: Mill Springs,
N.C. Birth: Mill Springs, N.C. G.O. No.:
5, 12 January 1953. Citation: Pfc.
Womack distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry above and beyond
the call of duty in action against the
enemy. Pfc. Womack was the only medical
aid man attached to a night combat
patrol when sudden contact with a
numerically superior enemy produced
numerous casualties. Pfc. Womack went
immediately to their aid, although this
necessitated exposing himself to a
devastating hail of enemy fire, during
which he was seriously wounded. Refusing
medical aid for himself, he continued
moving among his comrades to administer
aid. While he was aiding 1 man, he was
again struck by enemy mortar fire, this
time suffering the loss of his right
arm. Although he knew the consequences
should immediate aid not be
administered, he still refused aid and
insisted that all efforts be made for
the benefit of others that were wounded.
Although unable to perform the task
himself, he remained on the scene and
directed others in first aid techniques.
The last man to withdraw, he walked
until he collapsed from loss of blood,
and died a few minutes later while being
carried by his comrades. The
extraordinary heroism, outstanding
courage, and unswerving devotion to his
duties displayed by Pfc. Womack reflect
the utmost distinction upon himself and
uphold the esteemed traditions of the
U.S. Army. *YOUNG,
ROBERT H. Rank and
organization: Private First Class, U.S.
Army, Company E, 8th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division. Place and date:
North of Kaesong, Korea, 9 October 1950.
Entered service at: Vallejo, Calif.
Born: 4 March 1929, Oroville. Calif.
G.O. No.: 65, 2 August 1951. Citation:
Pfc. Young distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
above and beyond the call of duty in
action. His company, spearheading a
battalion drive deep in enemy territory,
suddenly came under a devastating
barrage of enemy mortar and automatic
weapons crossfire which inflicted heavy
casualties among his comrades and
wounded him in the face and shoulder.
Refusing to be evacuated, Pfc. Young
remained in position and continued to
fire at the enemy until wounded a second
time. As he awaited first aid near the
company command post the enemy attempted
an enveloping movement. Disregarding
medical treatment he took an exposed
position and firing with deadly accuracy
killed 5 of the enemy. During this
action he was again hit by hostile fire
which knocked him to the ground and
destroyed his helmet. Later when
supporting tanks moved forward, Pfc.
Young, his wounds still unattended,
directed tank fire which destroyed 3
enemy gun positions and enabled the
company to advance. Wounded again by an
enemy mortar burst, and while aiding
several of his injured comrades, he
demanded that all others be evacuated
first. Throughout the course of this
action the leadership and combative
instinct displayed by Pfc. Young exerted
a profound influence on the conduct of
the company. His aggressive example
affected the whole course of the action
and was responsible for its success.
Pfc. Young's dauntless courage and
intrepidity reflect the highest credit
upon himself and uphold the esteemed
traditions of the U.S. Army.
Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble
distinguished himself by acts of
gallantry and intrepidity above and
beyond the call of duty in action with
an armed enemy near Sangsan-ni, Korea,
on October 20, 1951. On that day, Master
Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon
leader for the support platoon in
Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack
on Hill 765, a steep and rugged position
that was well defended by the enemy.
Leading the support platoon, Master
Sergeant Keeble saw that the attacking
elements had become pinned down on the
slope by heavy enemy fire from three
well-fortified and strategically placed
enemy positions. With complete disregard
for his personal safety, Master Sergeant
Keeble dashed forward and joined the
pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the
ground, Master Sergeant Keeble crawled
forward alone until he was in close
proximity to one of the hostile
machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the
heavy fire that the crew trained on him,
Master Sergeant Keeble activated a
grenade and threw it with great
accuracy, successfully destroying the
position. Continuing his one-man
assault, he moved to the second enemy
position and destroyed it with another
grenade. Despite the fact that the enemy
troops were now directing their
firepower against him and unleashing a
shower of grenades in a frantic attempt
to stop his advance, he moved forward
against the third hostile emplacement,
and skillfully neutralized the remaining
enemy position. As his comrades moved
forward to join him, Master Sergeant
Keeble continued to direct accurate fire
against nearby trenches, inflicting
heavy casualties on the enemy. Inspired
by his courage, Company G successfully
moved forward and seized its important
objective. The extraordinary courage,
selfless service, and devotion to duty
displayed that day by Master Sergeant
Keeble was an inspiration to all around
him and reflected great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.
Corporal Tibor Rubin distinguished
himself by extraordinary heroism during
the period from July 23, 1950, to April
20, 1953, while serving as a rifleman
with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of
Korea. While his unit was retreating to
the Pusan Perimeter, Corporal Rubin was
assigned to stay behind to keep open the
vital Taegu-Pusan Road link used by his
withdrawing unit. During the ensuing
battle, overwhelming numbers of North
Korean troops assaulted a hill defended
solely by Corporal Rubin. He inflicted a
staggering number of casualties on the
attacking force during his personal
24-hour battle, single-handedly slowing
the enemy advance and allowing the 8th
Cavalry Regiment to complete its
withdrawal successfully. Following the
breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, the
8th Cavalry Regiment proceeded northward
and advanced into North Korea. During
the advance, he helped capture several
hundred North Korean soldiers. On
October 30, 1950, Chinese forces
attacked his unit at Unsan, North Korea,
during a massive nighttime assault. That
night and throughout the next day, he
manned a .30 caliber machine gun at the
south end of the unit's line after three
previous gunners became casualties. He
continued to man his machine gun until
his ammunition was exhausted. His
determined stand slowed the pace of the
enemy advance in his sector, permitting
the remnants of his unit to retreat
southward. As the battle raged, Corporal
Rubin was severely wounded and captured
by the Chinese. Choosing to remain in
the prison camp despite offers from the
Chinese to return him to his native
Hungary, Corporal Rubin disregarded his
own personal safety and immediately
began sneaking out of the camp at night
in search of food for his comrades.
Breaking into enemy food storehouses and
gardens, he risked certain torture or
death if caught. Corporal Rubin provided
not only food to the starving Soldiers,
but also desperately needed medical care
and moral support for the sick and
wounded of the POW camp. His brave,
selfless efforts were directly
attributed to saving the lives of as
many as forty of his fellow prisoners.
Corporal Rubin's gallant actions in
close contact with the enemy and
unyielding courage and bravery while a
prisoner of war are in the highest
traditions of military service and
reflect great credit upon himself and
the United States Army.


