Korean War Recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross

To All Who Shall See These Presents Greeting:

This is to Certify that
The President of the United States of America
Takes Pride in Presenting

THE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
to

*NABORS, JOHN H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John H. Nabors (RA14324471), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Private First Class Nabors distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Namchi-hyon, Korea, on 8 February 1951. On that date, the 1st Battalion launched an attack against Hill 392 with the mission of breaking the enemy defenses to the approaches to the Han River. The hill was defended by a large hostile force well-entrenched in sand-bagged and camouflaged positions. The fighting was made more difficult by the preponderance of automatic weapons emplaced by the enemy force. As the attacking companies advanced up the steep, ice covered slopes, the fighting became more bitter and casualties to the friendly forces began mounting rapidly. Private Nabors, a medical aidman attached to Company D, advanced with the foremost elements of the attack, seemingly heedless of the intense enemy fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved form one wounded man to another, administering first aid and comforting and encouraging them. When a friendly flanking machine-gun position was hard it and under heavy enemy automatic-weapons fire, Private Nabors moved across the face of the hill through a veritable hail of machine-gun and small-arms fire to the position. There he gave immediate first aid to nine seriously wounded men despite the merciless enemy fire on the position. After he had exhausted his medial supplies, he realized that it was imperative that he obtain more supplies and continue to give medical attention to the more seriously wounded casualties if their lives were to be saved. While attempting to return for supplies down the fire-swept slope, he was killed by an enemy grenade.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 462 (June 26, 1951)
Home Town: Shelby, Tennessee

*NAKAMURA, WATARU
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Wataru Nakamura (ER36467531), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Private First Class Nakamura distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at P'unch'on, Korea, on 18 May 1951. Private Nakamura's unit sustained a vicious attack on the night of 17 May 1951, which neutralized communications facilities between the 1st platoon and the Company Command Post. At approximately 0430 hours on 18 May 1951, with intermittent rain and fog increasing the darkness of early morning, Private Nakamura volunteered to check and repair the damaged line. Unaware that the enemy had infiltrated and captured heavily fortified friendly positions, he moved forward until he came under a withering hail of hostile fire. Disregarding his safety, he made a one-man assault, silencing a machine-gun and its crew with his carbine and bayonet and destroying two other enemy positions with grenades. When his ammunition was expended, he was forced to withdraw in the face of overwhelming odds. After falling back, he met a carrying party, briefed the officer in charge, and replenishing his ammunition, returned to engage the hostile force. Supported by rifle fire, he wiped out an enemy position and attacked the remaining bunker, killing one and wounding another enemy soldier before he was mortally wounded by grenade fire.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 5 (January 15, 1952)
Home Town: Cook County, Illinois

NAKATA, AKIRA
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Akira Nakata, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 45th Infantry Division. Corporal Nakata distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Tumyong-dong, Korea, on 13 June 1952. On that afternoon Corporal Nakata was moving forward with his company in an assault against an enemy-held hill when an enemy artillery round landed near him, covering him with debris and rendering his automatic weapon inoperable. Undaunted, Corporal Nakata obtained a carbine from a messenger and continued to spearhead the attack. Suddenly the friendly advance was halted by intense automatic-weapons fire from a group of hostile troops entrenched in a strategically located cave. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Nakata dashed forward alone through a murderous fusillade and single-handedly neutralized the enemy position, enabling the friendly troops to continue their advance. Even after running out of ammunition for his carbine, Corporal Nakata continued to lead the attack, hurling grenades with deadly accuracy and inflicting casualties on the foe. When his supply of grenades was expended, he still charged forward and, with savage fury, killed several hostile troops with his bayonet. Then shouting encouragement to the men behind him, he pressed the attack, on one occasion saving his platoon leader's life by killing an enemy soldier about to throw a grenade at the officer. Inspired by Corporal Nakata's aggressive charge, the friendly troops swept forward and routed the demoralized foe.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 580 (September 26, 1952)

NAKATA, HAROLD I.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Harold I. Nakata (US50004057), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Corporal Nakata distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Surang-ni, Korea, on 6 and 7 October 1952. On that date, Corporal Nakata's unit, manning an outpost approximately five hundred yards forward of the main line of resistance, was battered by heavy concentrations of mortar and artillery fire and when the bombardment lifted, enemy troops attempted to overrun friendly positions. Corporal Nakata, engaged in fortifying a bunker, left the covered emplacement, raced through the fire-swept impact area to his machine-gun, leaped in position, and poured deadly accurate fire into the onslaught, thereby inflicting numerous casualties. During the bitter fighting which ensued, he was severely wounded but, refusing evacuation, remained steadfast and raked the hostile attackers with crippling fire. As enemy action increased in tempo and fury and the determined foe pressed nearer, Corporal Nakata was struck by fragments from an exploding grenade. Dazed and shaken, he continued to defy the enemy, and maintained his determined stand until removed by comrades to the comparative safety of a nearby bunker.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 59 (August 4, 1953)
Home Town: Hawaii

*NALL, RAYMOND E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Raymond E. Nall (RA38339146), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Aidman attached to Company M, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Corporal Nall distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sansong-ni, Korea, on 16 February 1951. On that date, Corporal Nall was attached to Company M during an attack on enemy occupied Hill 287. During the attack a tremendous concentration of mortar fire fell in the area, and all personnel in the vicinity were instructed to take cover. Corporal Nall hesitated, saying that he might be needed to render medical aid, but nevertheless moved to cover only when assured he would be called if needed. A few minutes later a second barrage of mortar fire and intense enemy small-arms fire raked the positions. The cry "medic" passed down the line. Corporal Nall grabbed his aid kit, sprang from his foxhole, and started toward the wounded soldier. His comrades called to him to wait until the incessant fire subsided, but he replied, "They need me, I must go." With complete disregard for his personal safety, he plunged into the midst of the enemy mortar fire and proceeded toward the fallen soldier. He had advanced only one hundred yards when he was killed by a mortar round.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 246 (April 27, 1951)
Home Town: Motley, Texas

NAPLES, SAMUEL
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Samuel Naples (RA33411206), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Tank Commander with Company B, 89th Medium Tank Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Naples distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Haman, Korea, on 9 September 1950. Sergeant First Class Naples' company was assigned a mission to take an infantry squad to eliminate some enemy suspected of being in a nearby village. Upon approaching the village he dismounted the infantry from the tank and sent them forward into the village. After waiting a short period he followed the infantry squad and found them pinned down by enemy fire. Returning to his tank, he obtained a carbine and some grenades. He then moved to the rear of a building from which the enemy was firing and threw a grenade in the window, killing one enemy. He then shot another with his carbine. He then proceeded to another house, from which the enemy was firing. He opened the door and received machine- gun fire from the inside and was wounded in the leg. With his carbine he shot and killed the enemy gunner. This sharp, heroic action of Sergeant Naples permitted the infantry squad to proceed through the village with Sergeant Naples, despite his serious leg wound, leading the way. In the ensuing action two more enemy were killed and six prisoners were captured.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 136 (October 26, 1950)
Home Town: Cattaraugus, New York

NEGRON, JUAN E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Juan E. Negron (RA10406243), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Negron distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kalma-Eri, Korea, on 28 April 1951. On that date, Sergeant Negron took up the most vulnerable position on his company's exposed right flank after an enemy force had overrun a section of the line. When notified that elements of the company were withdrawing, Sergeant Negron refused to leave his exposed position, but delivered withering fire at hostile troops who had broken through a road block. When the hostile troops approached his position, Sergeant Negron accurately hurled hand grenades at short range, halting their attack. Sergeant Negron held the position throughout the night, while an allied counter attack was organized and launched. After the enemy had been repulsed, fifteen enemy dead were found only a few feet from Sergeant Negron's position. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Sergeant Negron on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 588 (June 21, 1953)
Home Town: Puerto Rico

NEHLS, EDWIN E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edwin E. Nehls, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company. Sergeant First Class Nehls distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Pau-gol, Korea, early in the morning of 15 July 1953. On that date, Sergeant Nehls was on an outpost position which was subjected to a heavy enemy barrage after which a reinforced battalion assaulted the United Nations sector. In spite of the heroic defense, the enemy was successful in seizing the area. Disregarding all thoughts of personal safety, Sergeant Nehls organized a patrol of five men and led them into the midst of the enemy element, encouraging his followers to direct accurate and effective small arms fire into the enemy ranks. Sergeant Nehls rose to a standing position and fired rifle grenades into the enemy group, refusing to withdraw until superior number and firepower made withdrawal inevitable. He then led an element of the counterattacking forces into enemy positions and engaged in hand- to-hand combat. Although wounded, Sergeant Nehls refused to leave the area until the enemy force had been completely repulsed.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 40 (January 31, 1954)

*NEHOWIG, JAMES B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James B. Nehowig (US55141720), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Corporal Nehowig distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Taptong-ni, Korea, on 20 September 1952. Spearheading as assault to secure "Old Baldy," Corporal Nehowig led his squad up a barren, rocky approach toward the objective. As the valiant soldiers attacked through the narrow communications trenches, they came under intense hostile fire. Corporal Nehowig moved forward throwing grenades and firing his carbine with deadly accuracy. He destroyed five enemy bunkers and their manning crews. Reaching the military crest of the hill, he ordered his men to ready defensive positions for imminent counterattack. He the moved out to reconnoiter the forward slope of the hill. Encountering the enemy, he engaged and killed four and dispersed the remainder. Ignoring wounds sustained in this action, Corporal Nehowig made his way back to the friendly perimeter, alerted his platoon leader of the impending attack, and returned down the forward slope, assumed a firing position to stem the assault. Maintaining his stand, he poured crippling fire into the ranks of the foe and engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat as they closed in on his position. Although mortally wounded in this encounter, his courageous actions contributed greatly to retarding the onslaught and, after the attack was repulsed, many enemy dead were found in the wake of his action.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 49 (June 9, 1953)
Home Town: Cass, North Dakota

*NELSON, JOHN HENRY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John Henry Nelson (0-974417), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Captain Nelson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Majen-ni, Korea, on the night of 14 - 15 February 1951. On that night, Company F was assigned the mission of recapturing Hill 325. After three unsuccessful attempts to capture the strongly defended enemy positions located on strategic high ground, Captain Nelson personally led his company in another assault at daybreak. Displaying outstanding courage and dogged determination Captain Nelson, heedless of the intense enemy fire and completely disregarding his personal safety, charged the enemy positions firing his weapon and throwing grenades into enemy entrenchments. Inspired by the daring actions and courageous example of Captain Nelson, the men of Company F dislodged the enemy and drove them off the hill. Immediately after seizure of the objective and while still under intense enemy mortar fire, Captain Nelson ran from man to man designating fields of fire and offering words of encouragement. Through his daring exploits he continued to rouse his men to their maximum effort until he was killed by a burst of enemy mortar fire.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 359 (May 27, 1951)
Home Town: Roberts, Texas

NESCI, JOSEPH A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Joseph A. Nesci (RA12119041), Sergeant [then Private First Class], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Sergeant Nesci distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea, on 16 September 1950. Sergeant Nesci's unit was attacking well-fortified enemy emplacement on Hill 125 when a concealed enemy machine-gun forced the men to seek cover. Sergeant Nesci, armed with an automatic rifle and grenades, immediately rushed the enemy emplacement, silencing the weapon. Then, moving forward, he began to pick off the enemy with deadly precision as often as they exposed themselves. He motioned for his two comrades to follow him as he reloaded his weapon, but they were wounded before they could proceed more than a few yards. Going forward alone, Sergeant Nesci, single-handedly rendered enemy emplacement after emplacement ineffective with his accurate fire as he came upon them. When overwhelming numbers of the enemy launched a counterattack and the unit was forced to withdraw, he made repeated trips across the fire-swept area to carry his wounded comrades to safety.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 617 (August 5, 1951), as amended by Section V of General Orders No. 640 (1951)
Home Town: Onondaga, New York

*NEVILLE, WARD ORVILLE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Ward Orville Neville (0-1112888), First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 3d Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Neville distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Hill 207 in the Republic of Korea on 11 August 1950. Lieutenant Neville volunteered to lead a hazardous patrol across the Naktong River and five thousand yards into enemy-held territory with the mission of observing enemy movement, strength, and location. At 1700 hours on 11 August 1950, the patrol, consisting of Lieutenant Neville and thirteen enlisted men, was attacked by a force of an estimated two hundred enemy riflemen. Lieutenant Neville, realizing the impossible odds with which his patrol was confronted, decided upon a desperate course of action. He personally led his patrol through a hail of enemy fire to the west, one thousand yards farther into enemy territory, to the east bank of the Hoechon River, without casualties. Upon arriving at the Hoechon River, the patrol was fired upon from the North and South by an estimated one hundred enemy riflemen. Lieutenant Neville was shot through the right leg and immobilized and three of his patrol were mortally wounded. Vehemently refusing assistance form any of his patrol members, he directed them across the river and, after most had crossed, he dragged himself through the river to the west bank. During this time he was constantly ordering his patrol to shoot into the areas from which the heaviest enemy fire was coning and urging them on, lest they be captured. Lieutenant Neville, mortally wounded, dragged himself into a rice paddy and was last seen with a grenade in his hand, urging the patrol on to safety. His utter refusal of assistance from his patrol after he was wounded made it possible for five members of the patrol to return to friendly lines and safety.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 110 (October 11, 1950)
Home Town: Zap, North Dakota

NICHOL, BROMFIELD B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Bromfield B. Nichol, Second Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with a Tank Company of the 40th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Nichol distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sintra-Ni, Korea, on the night of 5 June 1953. On that night, Lieutenant Nichol was in charge of two tanks in firing position on the United Nations main line of resistance, one of which was hit by enemy rounds and set afire. Learning that a man was trapped inside the tank, Lieutenant Nichol courageously braved the intense mortar, artillery and small arms fire, mounted the vehicle and attempted to open the hatch. Unable to enter through the top of the tank, he disregarded the intense heat, crawled beneath the vehicle and tried to extricate the trapped man through the escape hatches. Failing to gain entrance, Lieutenant Nichol, though aware of the dangers occasioned by the explosion of small arms ammunition within the vehicle, again climbed atop the tank and finally succeeded in prying open the bow gunner's hatch with his bayonet. Finding that the trapped man was dead and that evacuation was impossible, Lieutenant Nichol then returned to his battle position and continued to fight throughout the night. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Nichol on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 1051 (December 1, 1953)

*NICHOLS, CHARLES E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles E. Nichols (RA13165264), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Corporal Nichols distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Waegwan, Korea, on 18 September 1950. During a company attack against a hill heavily defended by intense enemy mortar, machine-gun and small-arms fire, Corporal Nichols observed his platoon commander approaching, unknowingly, into the fire of a hostile machine-gun approximately fifty yards away. He shouted a warning, but it was lost in the noise of battle. Acting without hesitation and well aware of the personal risk involved, Corporal Nichols hurled himself between his platoon commander and the point- blank machine-gun fire, absorbing with his own body the bullets aimed at the officer. During this noble selfless act, he suffered critical wounds that resulted in his death.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 18 (April 4, 1951)
Home Town: Kanawha, West Virginia

NIEVES-LAGUER, FABIAN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Fabian Nieves-Laguer (30419666), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Corporal Nieves-Laguer distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces Chwanchan-dong, Korea, on 19 April 1951. On that date, Corporal Nieves-Laguer's unit was given the mission of attacking and securing positions held by a well entrenched and fanatically determined enemy force. Moving forward under intense enemy mortar and small arms fire, Corporal Nieves-Laguer, an automatic rifleman, repeatedly charged enemy dug-outs, clearing them of opposition and enabling the remainder of his squad to advance without casualties. However the hostile fire finally became so intense that the advancing friendly elements were forced to withdraw to more tenable positions. As the enemy launched a powerful counterattack, Corporal Nieves-Laguer observed three wounded men lying directly in the path of the onrushing hostile forces. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he made three separate trips across the fire swept terrain to carry the stricken soldiers to safety. After successfully evacuating the injured men, Corporal Nieves-Laguer returned to his position and manned his weapon. From his emplacement he was able to furnish effective fire support to cover the withdrawal and subsequent reorganization of his unit. The outstanding devotion to duty and extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Nieves-Laguer in this action reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 635 (August 12, 1951)

NIX, JAMES H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Nix (0-1913384), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commander of the 3d Platoon of Company E, 2d Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. First Lieutenant Nix distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Wonju, Korea, on 14 February 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Nix was ordered to attack well-entrenched enemy positions on Hill 255, a terrain feature lost to a Chinese Community force of battalion strength on the previous night. A frontal attack culminating in an assault of the rugged and well-defended position was the plan for securing the objective. At 1400 hours he launched his attack in coordination with the 1st platoon, the 2d platoon being used as a base of fire. On the initial attack the 1st platoon reached a point about twenty yards from the crest of the hill, but was forced to withdraw when most of the ammunition was expended and the intensity of the enemy fire increased. Lieutenant Nix, detecting the action of the adjacent platoon, withdrew his platoon a short distance in order to reorganize them. Having accomplished this, he resumed the attack and immediately came under flanking fire from the left. Without hesitation, he diverted one squad to neutralize this threat, and continued the attack. Upon reaching the crest of the hill, he observed a ravine on the reverse slope filled with Chinese Communists. Exposing himself to their fire, he emptied his carbine at the group, killing ten of them. After expending his carbine ammunition he drew his pistol and rallied his men in the final phase of the assault among the enemy foxholes. When his pistol ammunition was expended, he picked up an automatic weapon and turned it on the fleeing enemy. His courageous and aggressive leadership inspired his men to overcome the numerically superior enemy force as hand-to-hand combat ensued.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 174 (March 26, 1951)
Home Town: Cowlitz, Washington

NOBLE, JOSEPH E., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Joseph E. Noble, Jr., Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while Commanding a Battalion from an Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Noble distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sokkogae, Korea, on the afternoon of 8 July 1953. On that date, Colonel Noble was the commander of a battalion counterattacking a numerically superior enemy force which was assaulting a strategic United Nations outpost. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Colonel Noble left the comparative safety of his command post and proceeded through the intense barrage to the sector of the heaviest fighting to personally direct the activities of his unit. Although he had previously given his steel helmet and armored vest to one of his men, Colonel Noble continually moved about the fire-wept terrain to encourage his comrades, call in accurate variable time fire, and to assist in the manning of crew-served weapons. Although injured by a mortar shell, Colonel Noble remained in the area for the next two days, on one occasion personally extinguishing a fire in an ammunition dump which threatened the lives of many men. Colonel Noble refused to be evacuated until he had personally supervised an orderly withdrawal of all units from the outpost.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 63 (February 19, 1954)

*NONEMAN, ROBERT P.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert P. Noneman (RA15260931), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Master Sergeant Noneman distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chungnyong-san, Korea, on 22 March 1951. On that date, a friendly force was engaged in setting up a tight perimeter defense on a hill position recently captured from the fanatical enemy. Sergeant Noneman moved among his men, inspecting their positions to determine any points of weakness which might jeopardize their safety in the event of an enemy counterattack. Proceeding toward some outlying emplacements he suddenly observed a strong enemy force moving into positions from which they could direct a devastating volume of fire on the friendly forces. Realizing that immediate action was necessary and that there was not sufficient time to return to his men for help, he charged across the open terrain to a knoll and commenced firing on the hostile troops. He was immediately subjected to the concentrated enemy firepower, but he remained in his exposed position, firing rapidly and inflicting many casualties among them. Hearing the conflict, elements of the friendly force moved to the knoll to help him. When they arrived, they found him suffering from serious wounds but, despite this fact, he was still firing at the enemy with unshakable determination. As the friendly troops drove the enemy from the positions, Sergeant Noneman succumbed to his wounds.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 1034 (December 30, 1951)
Home Town: Paulding, Ohio

NONNWEILER, EDWARD PHILIP
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edward Philip Nonnweiler (RA16307361), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Master Sergeant Nonnweiler distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Ma-dong, Korea on 13 August 1950. In the course of a sneak attack on his unit's position, Sergeant Nonnweiler spotted the enemy and shouted a warning to his comrades. He immediately moved forward and placed into action a 75-mm. recoilless rifle on the exposed slopes of the hill in complete view of the enemy, firing the weapon as fast as it could be loaded. With complete disregard for his own safety he deliberately diverted the heavy enemy fire on himself, thus enabling his comrades to place themselves in a more advantageous firing position. The mortar crews were able to divert their fire from another target and place the full force of the mortar fire to their unit's front. Sergeant Nonnweiler was hit by a burst of machine-gun fire, but despite serious wounds and with his right arm useless, he managed to load and fire the weapon into the charging enemy's midst, until twice again he was wounded leaving him in such pain that he had to crawl from his position to seek safety where his wounds could be treated. His selfless courage and conspicuous devotion to duty saved his unit from possible annihilation by the overwhelming enemy force. The extraordinary heroism of Sergeant Nonnweiler reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 74 (February 15, 1951)
Home Town: Sheboygan, Wisconsin

NORIEGA, BELISARIO
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Belisario Noriega, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Noriega distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of the Chorwon, Korea, on 27 October 1952. On that date, Sergeant Noriega was with a company defending an outpost position which was subjected to a heavy barrage of artillery and mortar fire. When a fire started in the ammunition supply point, Sergeant Noriega, fully cognizant of the dangers involved, rushed to the scene and assisted in extinguishing the blaze. Upon his return to the defensive positions, Sergeant Noriega found that one of the platoon leaders was a casualty and his men had become confused and disorganized under the strain of the intense shelling. Sergeant Noriega immediately reorganized the men, deployed them in the most advantageous positions, assigned fields of fire and through the assault which followed Sergeant Noriega maintained command of the platoon and employed it effectively. When the company was ordered to withdraw after the position had been encircled, Sergeant Noriega led the men through the hostile ranks to the safety of the main line of resistance. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Sergeant Noriega on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 698 (July 27, 1953)

*NORTHCUTT, EMERY B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Emery B. Northcutt (RA17265927), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 29th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. Private Northcutt distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sangju, Korea, on 27 July 1950. On that date, Company B was in a defensive position when numerically superior enemy forces launched an attack supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire. The position soon became untenable and the order to withdraw was given. Without regard for his own personal safety, Private Northcutt voluntarily remained at his position on the flank, firing his light machine-gun and enabling the rest of the company to withdraw. When last seen, he was firing into the advancing enemy as they overran his position.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 68 (September 15, 1950)
Home Town: Jersey, Illinois

NORTHCUTT, ROBERT
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert Northcutt (RA15445912), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Sergeant Northcutt distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sokkogae, Korea, on 8 and 9 July 1953. On that date, Sergeant Northcutt and his companions were counterattacking a strategic position on the west slope of a heavily contested hill. When his platoon leader and platoon sergeant were wounded, Sergeant Northcutt took command of the platoon and led it forward. After advancing a short distance, they suddenly came under heavy mortar and machine-gunfire from two enemy bunkers to the front. Sergeant Northcutt ordered a base of fire to be placed on each bunker and crawled forward from the right under the enemy cross-fire. Although painfully wounded by fragments of a hostile mortar round, he continued to assault the right bunker and succeeded in destroying the enemy gun crew with grenades. After shifting his supporting fire toward the second bunker, he crawled to its side entrance and destroyed its occupants with his last two grenades and pistol fire. Later, his platoon came under an intensive barrage of artillery and mortar fire and was forced to withdraw, whereupon Sergeant Northcutt organized the remaining members of his unit and set up a perimeter of defense. Finding the supply of ammunition low, he again exposed himself to the enemy and began collecting ammunition which had been discarded by wounded comrades. The next morning two companies came through the platoon to assault the enemy-held positions on the crest of the hill. As these units moved through to maneuver, a sniper fired on them, halting their advance. Sergeant Northcutt deliberately exposed himself in order to locate the source of fire, after which he charged the sniper and killed him with pistol fire, thus allowing the two companies to continue their assault. Sergeant Northcutt was wounded a second time in the immediate conflict that followed and was evacuated to the rear area against his wishes.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 558 (August 26, 1954)
Home Town: Clark, Ohio

*NORTON, ROBERT L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert L. Norton (0-2034570), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Norton distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Nungnae-dong, Korea, on 4 April 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Norton's platoon was given the mission of attacking and securing a steep, barren hill approximately 800 yards in front of the positions of Company A. After crossing open rice paddies to a position at the base of the hill from which the attack could be launched, Lieutenant Norton was leading his men up the slope of the hill when they came under a heavy volume of enemy small-arms and automatic weapons fire. Halting his platoon and exposing himself to the intense fire to check the feasibility of continuing the attack from that point, he noted that such action would result in heavy casualties. Remaining in the exposed position, Lieutenant Norton directed his platoon to withdraw and attack the enemy's right flank from a more sheltered approach while he stayed behind to draw enemy fire and over the movement. He continued to place effective fire on the enemy, covering the maneuver of his platoon, until he was hit by a burst of enemy machine-gun fire and instantly killed. The inspirational leadership and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Norton enabled his platoon to secure the objective.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 363 (May 28, 1951)
Home Town: Cumberland, Maine

*O'DONNELL, JOSEPH T.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Joseph T. O'Donnell (0-1059578), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant O'Donnell distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Mundung-ni, Korea, 0n 13 October 1951. On that date, Company A launched an assault on a strategic hill strongly defended by a determined enemy. Lieutenant O'Donnell led his platoon until they were halted by a heavy barrage of enemy small-arms and mortar fire. Unhesitatingly and with complete indifference to the intense fire, he placed himself at the head of his platoon and led them in a renewed assault, during which he charged and destroyed an enemy position and killed its occupants with his rifle and grenades. Although wounded by an enemy grenade, he continued to lead his men in the attack. Knocked down by a second grenade, he immediately arose and again continued to direct his men in the assault. In the platoon's final charge, he was fatally wounded by mortar fragments. His bravery and spirited leadership were an inspiration to all who witnessed his actions and contributed immeasurably in the successful completion of the mission.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 64 (June 30, 1952)
Home Town: Kings, New York

*OGLESBY, JAMES N.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James N. Oglesby (0-2205488), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Leader Company A, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Oglesby distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea, on 5 May 1952. On that date, the company of which Lieutenant Oglesby was a member was engaged in an attack against a large hostile force occupying heavily fortified positions on a strategic hill. As the assaulting elements neared their objective, they were subjected to a heavy volume of small-arms, automatic-weapons, mortar, and artillery fire. Realizing that the friendly troops before him were pinned down and threatened with annihilation, Lieutenant Oglesby organized his own platoon and led his men through the halted attackers to renew the attack on the hostile positions. However, the intense enemy fire soon also stopped the fresh assault force. With the knowledge that the attack would fail unless the key hostile emplacements were destroyed, Lieutenant Oglesby, without regard for his personal safety, left his position of cover and, armed with a supply of grenades, moved forward in a single-handed attack. Although the hostile troops converged their entire firepower on him, he advanced to the nearest enemy position and destroyed it with grenades. After replenishing his supply of ammunition, he moved forward a second time and destroyed another enemy bunker. In this attack Lieutenant Oglesby was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire but his fearless actions had seriously weakened the hostile defense and his men, inspired by his fighting spirit, rushed through the gap he had created and secured the objective.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 238 (May 5, 1952)
Home Town: Trousdale, Tennessee

*OKAMURA, ARTHUR I.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Arthur I. Okamura (US50001563), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Okamura distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Muto, Korea, on 14 October 1951. On that date, Company A was engaged in an assault against well-fortified enemy hill positions. As the friendly force advanced, it was temporarily halted by a heavy volume of enemy machine-gun fire. During this period, Private Okamura discovered an enemy minefield directly in the path of the assaulting friendly troops. With a total disregard for his personal safety, he immediately exposed himself to the intense fire of the enemy and began to clear the area of mines and booby traps. Working with unrelenting determination, under the direct observation of the enemy, Private Okamura skillfully removed mine after mine. After four hours of courageous effort, the minefield was almost entirely cleared when one of the hostile booby traps detonated and mortally wounded him. Greatly inspired by the fearlessness of Private Okamura, his comrades renewed their assault and swept the hostile force from the hill, inflicting numerous casualties among them. The heroic actions of Private Okamura were directly responsible for saving the lives friendly troops.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 986 (December 12, 1951)
Home Town: Oahu, Hawaii

*ORIG, BRUNO R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Bruno R. Orig (RA10104620), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Private Orig distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea, on 15 February 1951. On that date, Private Orig, while returning from a wire laying mission, observed a number of his comrades who had been wounded in a fierce enemy attack that was still in progress. With complete disregard for his own safety, he went to the aid of these men and remained in an exposed position in order to administer first aid to them. With the assistance of several comrades from the company command post he began removing the wounded to a place of safety. While returning from one of these trips, he noticed that all except one man of a machine-gun crew had been wounded. Without hesitation, he volunteered to man the weapon. Remaining in this position, Private Orig placed such effective fire on the enemy that a withdrawing friendly platoon was able to move back without a single casualty. He continued to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy until the company positions were overrun. Later that day, when the lost ground was recaptured, Private Orig was found dead beside his weapon and the area in front of his gun was littered with enemy dead.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 570 (July 21, 1951)
Home Town: Oahu, Hawaii

*OTOMO, BILL M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Bill M. Otomo (0-1340575), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Otomo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Ipack, Korea, on 27 November 1950. Leading his platoon into an area which was then under heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant Otomo personally placed each man in a defensive position, assigning fields of fire and insuring the best possible cover for each individual. Almost immediately after occupying the position, the platoon was subjected to several fanatical attacks by an overwhelming enemy force. Although Lieutenant Otomo was hit in the back by grenade fragments, he refused medical attention for his wounds. Moving from position to position in the platoon area, he continued to inspire and encourage his men to hold. Led by Lieutenant Otomo, the platoon engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand fighting, throwing the enemy back and eliminating the threat to the company flank. Lieutenant Otomo's courage, outstanding leadership, and cool judgment were an example to all concerned and prevented an enemy breakthrough at a critical point.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 59 (February 8, 1951, as amended by HQ Eighth US Army Korea General Orders No. 94 (1951)
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

*OTTERSTROM, RAWLAND N.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Rawland N. Otterstrom (US56059056), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Corporal Otterstrom distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sangyang, Korea, on 13 October 1951. On that date, the company of which Corporal Otterstrom was a member was engaged in an assault against a series of heavily fortified and well-concealed enemy positions. As the friendly troops advanced, they were subjected to heavy small-arms, automatic-weapons, and mortar fire which increased in intensity until they were forced to seek cover. At this point in the assault, the company commander was severely wounded by an exploding mortar shell and fell helpless on the fire-swept terrain. Observing that his leader was completely exposed to the fire of a hidden enemy machine-gun, Corporal Otterstrom left his position of cover and attempted to reach the stricken man. With utter fearlessness, he worked his way through the heavy enemy fire being concentrated on him until he was hit and instantly killed by a burst from the machine-gun. His heroic action, however, had forced the hidden automatic-weapons crew to reveal their location and the friendly forces immediately converged their entire firepower on the emplacement. With the enemy positions destroyed, the friendly troops were able to renew their assault and evacuate their leader.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 192 (April 12, 1952)
Home Town: Carbon, Utah

*OTTO, GEORGE WILLIAM
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to George William Otto (US56089345), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a machine-gunner with an Infantry Company of the 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Corporal Otto distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chg'u-dong, Korea, on 27 August 1951. On that date, Corporal Otto was occupying a forward emplacement in a defense perimeter which had just been captured from the enemy. The fanatical force subjected the perimeter to an almost continuous barrage of artillery, mortar and automatic weapons fire but the friendly troops held their positions and hurled back the numerous probing attacks launched by the enemy. When the enemy launched a full-scale assault against the friendly force, Corporal Otto quickly realized that the numerical superiority of the hostile troops seriously endangered his forward position and immediately ordered all of the friendly troops to withdraw to more tenable positions. Remaining at his own position and directing a devastating volume of fire into the on-rushing ranks of the enemy, Corporal Otto provided effective covering fire as his comrades withdrew. With the entire firepower of the attacking enemy being concentrated on his position, and with overwhelming numbers of the hostile troops rushing closer and closer to his position, he doggedly remained behind his weapon, cutting down the enemy soldiers who were trying desperately to neutralize his position. When his machine-gun jammed; he courageously continued to fire at the enemy by using his pistol until he was hit and killed by enemy fire. When the friendly troops launched a counterattack and regained Corporal Otto's position, they found him lying beside his machine-gun with numerous enemy dead strewn about the emplacement.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 55 (January 28, 1952)
Home Town: Kootenai, Idaho

*OWEN, JAMES B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James B. Owen (0-543663), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Owen distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea, on 26 July 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Owen moved forward with the lead element of the company as it launched an assault against a large hostile force, firmly entrenched on a commanding slope. As the company attacked, it was subjected to heavy and accurate fire which began to inflict many casualties among the advancing troops. Shouting directions to his men, Lieutenant Owen deployed them to more advantageous positions and then charged the first enemy emplacement. As he neared the position, his weapon was blown from his hands and he was seriously wounded by the intense fire being concentrated on him by the desperate defenders. Undaunted, he continued with his assault and destroyed the emplacement with grenades. Eliminating position after position in this manner with utter fearlessness and despite his wound, Lieutenant Owen so inspired his men that they moved forward in a body and, displaying fierce determination, drove the enemy from their positions. When the hill was secured and a defensive perimeter had been up, Lieutenant Owen still refused medical treatment until he was assured that all of the casualties had been evacuated. He died from his wound a short time thereafter while supervising the evacuation of the wounded friendly troops.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 117 (February 28, 1952)
Home Town: Luzerne, Pennsylvania

PACHECO, ROBERTO, JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Roberto Pacheco, Jr. (RA19330456), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Pacheco distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Saradong, Korea, on 9 August 1950. In the course of an attack on an enemy-held hill, Private First Class Pacheco's platoon was pinned down by murderous a murderous hail of enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. Upon receiving word from one of his comrades that his platoon leader had been wounded, Corporal Pacheco took the initiative and charged up the forward slopes in the face of intense enemy fire. Upon reaching high ground, he paused momentarily to survey an enemy position to his front. Upon spotting a number of the enemy, he lobbed grenades and fired his automatic weapon into their midst. The enemy became so surprised and bewildered by this one-man onslaught that they left their positions and fled in panic. Taking full advantage of their rout, Corporal Pacheco charged on the retreating enemy, firing his weapon on the run. Single-handedly the hill was wrested and secured for the platoon to occupy. In this outstanding display of aggressiveness and courage, Private First Class Pacheco personally accounted for at least thirty of the enemy dead and was solely responsible in causing the withdraw of the remainder.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 42 (January 26, 1951)
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

*PAINE, GEORGE H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to George H. Paine (RA11163980), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Sergeant Paine distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Koto-ri, in the vicinity of the Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir in North Korea, on 30 November 1950. Sergeant Paine was with the leading element of the 2d Battalion moving north to link up with friendly units when the column was attacked by enemy who were entrenched and concentrated on high ground along the route of advance. Sergeant Paine located several enemy positions on a hillside form which automatic-weapons and small-arms were firing. Bravely and without regard for his own personal safety, he advanced alone against these positions, exposing himself to draw their fire from other elements of the column who were regrouping to make an attack. In his advance, he neutralized two enemy automatic weapons, permitting friendly troops to advance without casualties. Joining the attacking troops of the battalion, he assisted in driving the enemy from their positions around the hilltop. During this action Sergeant Paine was mortally wounded while fiercely resisting enemy forces counterattacking in an attempt to retain the hilltop. This counterattack was repulsed with heavy loss of enemy personnel. The courageous actions of Sergeant Paine were an inspiration to his comrades and enabled the battalion to complete its mission.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 113 (March 4, 1951)
Home Town: Worcester, Massachusetts

PALMER, RICHARD A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard A. Palmer, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company L, 3d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Palmer distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of the Hwachon Reservoir, Korea, on 10 April 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Palmer's battalion had engaged for two days in an almost continuous assault against a series of heavily fortified and fanatically defended hostile positions on a strategic hill. On the morning of 10 April 1951, Lieutenant Palmer received orders to lead his platoon in an attack to take the vital hill mass. As the friendly troops neared their objective, they were subjected to a devastating volume of automatic-weapons, small-arms, and mortar fire. Seeing that his men were pinned down by the heavy fire and that they faced possible annihilation in their present untenable positions, Lieutenant Palmer, without regard for his personal safety, left his position and charged directly into the intense fire toward the neared hostile emplacement. Alternately firing his rifle and throwing grenades, he destroyed an enemy machine gun and killed its three-man crew. He then closed with the enemy troops in hand-to-hand combat and fought fiercely, killing one of the enemy with his bayonet and numerous others with rifle fire. Lieutenant Palmer's fearlessness so inspired his men that they swept forward and routed the enemy from the objective.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 62 (January 31, 1952)

PAPPERT, EDGAR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Edgar Pappert, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 29th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Pappert distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chungam-ni, Korea, on 2 August 1950. During a savage encounter with a numerically superior enemy, four men of an adjacent unit were found wounded on the battlefield. These men were lying in the direct line of enemy fire and their rescue seemed a hopeless impossibility. Replenishing his supply of ammunition, Sergeant Pappert, exposed himself to the enemy and moved directly into the line of fire, clearing his route of approach with grenades and rifle fire. He killed several of the enemy, wounded many more, and succeeded in reaching the wounded soldiers. He rendered first aid on the spot and succeeded in getting the men back to a point from which they could be evacuated. His courageous actions saved the lives of the four wounded soldiers and contributed materially to the ultimate victory which his company achieved.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 127 (March 7, 1951)

*PARRIS, HAROLD G. (POW)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Harold G. Parris (0-1183940), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Battery C, 8th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Parris distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sibyon-ni, Korea, on 6 November 1950. While attached as a forward observer to an infantry regiment and on patrol along the road to Inchon, Lieutenant Parris and fifteen others were ambushed and captured by an overwhelming force of the enemy. Realizing that the enemy were known to sometimes torture and murder their prisoners after having extracted any information of military value from them, Lieutenant Parris warned his men to keep quiet and to tell only their name, rank and serial number when questioned. The sixteen prisoners were marched to the enemy command post and placed in a small room where they were questioned. Lieutenant Parris again exhorted the men not to answer the questions, but to remain quiet. Due to the calm courage of Lieutenant Parris, the men refused to answer except with expletives. The interrogators, realizing that Lieutenant Parris was the leader of the group, took him to another room to question him. While he was gone, the prisoners were again questioned but because of the inspiring leadership and exhortation of Lieutenant Parris, no information was given. When Parris was returned to the room, his face showed the effects of severe treatment - all to no avail. After marching them about three hundred yards, their captors machine-gunned and killed Lieutenant Parris and all but one of his comrades. The outstanding and fearless leadership of Lieutenant Parris in the face of almost certain death was a magnificent example and denied the enemy valuable intelligence information.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 78, (February 17, 1951) as amended by General Orders No. 484 (July 1, 1951)
Home Town: Randolph, North Carolina

PARSLEY, JIMMIE R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jimmie R. Parsley (RA18245559), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Forward Observer with a Mortar Company of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Private Parsley distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Ugu-Dong, Korea, on 24 June 1953. On that date, Private Parsley was on duty at his company command post when it was attacked by two enemy battalions. Following an intense artillery and mortar barrage which disrupted all wire communication, the enemy stormed the trenches, penetrated the main line of resistance, and concentrated an attack on the command post. To insure uninterrupted communications, Private Parsley left his sheltered position with his radio and moved into the open to adjust mortar fire on the aggressors. When the enemy had progressed to within a few yards of the command post, Private Parsley, alone and unprotected, met them head-on, firing his weapon at point-blank range and temporarily halted the assault. He then, calmly and with incredible courage, called in mortar fire on his own position to destroy the enemy, force which was beginning another assault. Private Parsley was wounded in the barrage but he refused medical attention and remained at his post, directing supporting fire on the remainder of the enemy until all action had ceased. He then moved among the casualties of his company, giving what aid he could, until he was assured that the position was secure.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 336 (September 11, 1953)
Home Town: Los Angeles, California

*PATCH, DONALD L.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Donald L. Patch (RA19049652), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Patch distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Wonsan, Korea, on 22 September 1950. Master Sergeant Patch's organization, committed to capture a hill strongly supported by a mortar position about 300 yards away, was pinned down by intense flanking automatic and small-arms fire. Sergeant Patch volunteered to lead a group of three attached South Korean soldiers on a flanking movement against the position. The hostile forces spotted this valiant group approaching, concentrated a vicious stream of fire on them, and wounded Sergeant Patch in the chest. Ignoring his serious wound, he nevertheless forged on with unwavering determination. The group wiped out the position, killing nine of the defenders and routing the remainder. During the final charge on the strong point, this heroic leader received mortal wounds, but his intrepid action enable his company to take its objective.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 50 (July 16, 1951)
Home Town: Fresno, California

PATTEN, RALPH E.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ralph E. Patten, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Patten distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Norebau, Korea, on 9 March 1951. On that date, Sergeant Patten, as an acting platoon leader, was given the mission of spearheading the initial assault on the company's objective, a vital hill near Norebau. Halfway up the hill, the lead elements of the platoon were pinned down under the withering fire of an enemy machine-gun. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Patten immediately charged forward, single-handedly attacking the machine-gun nest with rifle fire and grenades. After capturing the weapon and forcing its crew to surrender, he reorganized his platoon and led them forward in a bayonet and grenade charge toward the crest of the hill. The outstanding personal courage and aggressive leadership displayed by Sergeant Patten inspired his men onward to take the objective and inflict heavy losses on the enemy despite the intense small-arms and automatic-weapons fire that continued to pour down on them. His quick-thinking and total disregard for his own safety were instrumental in securing the company's objective with the greatest possible speed and with a minimum number of casualties.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 576 (July 23, 1951)

*PAYNE, D. F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to D. F. Payne (US54039301), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Corporal Payne distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Mandae-ri, Korea, on 2 September 1951. On that date, the company of which Corporal Payne was a member was engaged in a determined attack against a series of heavily fortified enemy positions located on a hill of vital strategic importance. Because of the commanding terrain held by the hostile troops, the friendly casualties mounted and Corporal Payne, in an effort to evacuate his helpless comrades from the scene of battle, organized his recoilless rifle section into litter squads. Making repeated trips across the fire-swept terrain, Corporal Payne carried several of the wounded to safety. Although it necessitated his moving along a trail through a combination minefield and barbed-wire barrier directly under the enemy guns, Corporal Payne voluntarily continued with his self-assigned mission, often cradling his stricken comrades in his arms to shield them from enemy fire and running through the impact area to a position of safety. Although exhausted and near collapse from his tremendous exertion, he unhesitatingly traversed the hazardous route each time he heard the call of a wounded comrade. As he searched for additional casualties in an area where the battle was raging fiercely, he observed a hitherto undiscovered hostile machine-gun emplacement a few yards before him. Without regard for his personal safety, he immediately called for mortar fire and, from an exposed position, adjusted the fire until the enemy emplacement had been destroyed. It was in this position that Corporal Payne was later mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. His selfless actions save the lives of many of his comrades wand greatly inspired all those witnessing them.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 249 (May 14, 1952)
Home Town: Lubbock, Texas

PELFREY, FLOYD C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Floyd C. Pelfrey, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant Pelfrey distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Pagdangdong-ni, Korea, on 13 October 1951. On that date, Company B was engaged in an attack against well-fortified enemy positions. As the battle raged, intense enemy fire accounted for several casualties among the friendly troops including the platoon leader of the 2d platoon. Immediately taking charge of the platoon, Sergeant Pelfrey led the men forward until a heavy volume of automatic-weapons fire from a hostile emplacement halted the advance. At this point, with utter disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Pelfrey single-handedly charged the enemy position and destroyed it with hand grenades. Shouting words of encouragement, he led his men forward. Twice more, the platoon was stopped short of their objective by deadly accurate fire from enemy emplacements and both times Sergeant Pelfrey assaulted them in such an aggressive manner that they were successfully neutralized. Sergeant Pelfrey charged forward and his men, inspired by his fearless action, overran the enemy position and inflicted numerous casualties among the hostile troops.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 954 (December 1, 1951)

*PENA, MIKE C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Mike C. Pena (RA18009659), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Master Sergeant Pena distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Waegwan, Korea, on 4 September 1950. On that date, at approximately 2300 hours, an enemy battalion moved up to within a few yards of Master Sergeant Pena's platoon under cover of darkness and an obscuring mist. Observing the enemy, Sergeant Pena and his men immediately opened fire but the sudden, point-blank fire of the hostile forces made it necessary for the friendly troops to withdraw. Rapidly reorganizing his men, Sergeant Pena led them in a counterattack, regained the lost positions, and attempted to hold back the enemy. Despite the devastating fire laid down by the friendly troops, the enemy continued to hurl themselves at the defenses in overwhelming numbers. Realizing that a scarcity of ammunition would soon make the positions untenable, Sergeant Pena ordered his men to fall back, manning a machine-gun to cover their withdrawal. Single-handedly, he held back the enemy until the early hours of the following morning when his position was overrun and he was killed.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 622 (August 6, 1951) as amended by General Orders No. 638 (August 13, 1951)
Home Town: El Paso, Texas

PEPLOE, GEORGE B.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George B. Peploe, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Colonel Peploe distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces on the Chobigok and Naktong River at Dedung, Korea, during the period from 17 to 27 September 1950. When two battalions of his regiment formed the spearhead of the Second Infantry Division's advance toward the Naktong River, Colonel Peploe placed himself with the point of the advance guard and personally directed the assaults against ridges, defiles, and passes where the enemy had massed his artillery and heavy weapons for an offensive of his own and was putting up a most stubborn resistance. Unmindful of the intense artillery, mortar and heavy weapons fire, he personally directed the operations of his two battalions and closely coordinated their advance in order to assure a maximum of offensive power. In one instance, he led the advance guard and enveloped the enemy flanks. This maneuver enabled the command to continue the offensive with a minimum of losses and drove the enemy across the Naktong River. Two days later, Colonel Peploe was again well in front of his troops directing the crossing of the Naktong at a point near Sadung. He proceeded to the river's edge and, with utter disregard for the hostile artillery fire, which was falling in the area, personally directed the crossing of patrols to the far side of the river. Keeping the defeated enemy off balance, Colonel Peploe pursued them to Hyopchon and then to Kochang, a vital enemy communications center in South Central Korea. Regrouping his regiment, he renewed the attack on 27 September 1950 and broke out onto the western coastal plain to capture the key city of Chonju with thousands of prisoners and tons of supplies and equipment. In this pursuit, his regiment fought forward seventy-seven miles in ten hours.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 196 (December 14, 1950)

PEREZ, GINES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gines Perez, Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Perez distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kwakson, Korea, on 31 October 1950. On that date, the 2d Battalion was conducting a drive toward Sinuiju when it was held up by heavy artillery, mortar and automatic-weapons fire from seven enemy tanks and an estimated battalion of enemy troops. Colonel Perez, riding in the lead tank, leaped to the ground and, despite the intense enemy fire, deployed his battalion with the utmost calmness. After making a rapid, accurate estimate of the situation, he contacted Company E and led them to a position from which they launched an attack designed to envelop the flank of the enemy. Moving back, he directed the emplacement of artillery pieces; then, with complete indifference to the heavy enemy fire, he moved to the foremost position of his troops and personally adjusted the artillery fire. He remained in this exposed position until the enveloping company had overrun the enemy positions, forcing them to retreat in disorder. The successful enveloping attack, engineered and directed by Colonel Perez, resulted in the capture of sixty-four prisoners, inflicted an estimated two hundred casualties on the enemy, and destroyed five enemy tanks one self-propelled gun.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 244 (April 26, 1951)

PEREZ, JESSIE F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Jessie F. Perez (RA18307559), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Sergeant Perez distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Taeu-san, Korea, on 30 July 1951. On that date, Company L and Company K were engaged in an assault against a well-entrenched hostile force when they were suddenly pinned down by a heavy volume of enemy fire. Realizing that immediate and aggressive action was necessary, Sergeant Perez unhesitatingly left his position of cover and, followed closely by a comrade firing a machine-gum, charged up the hill. Disregarding the intense hostile fire being concentrated on him, he assaulted two enemy machine-gun emplacements, killing the troops occupying them with pistol fire. Then, calling for men from his squad to move forward to man the captured weapons, he directed their fire against the hostile emplacements and resumed his assault. His courageous actions so inspired the friendly troops that they renewed their attack and rushed forward to secure their objectives, inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 904 (November 16, 1951)
Home Town: Harris, Texas

*PERRY, HAROLD
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Harold Perry (RA13343537), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Private Perry distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Haman, Korea, on 23 September 1950. On that date, Company G had launched an attack against heavily fortified positions near Haman and, while advancing on the objective, received withering small-arms and machine-gun fire which pinned the company down and stalled the advance. Private Perry, with complete disregard for his personal safety, continued to advance alone in the face of the intense enemy fire. Reaching the enemy positions, he crawled from foxhole to foxhole, killing the enemy in each with grenades and rifle fire. After killing seven enemy soldiers, he was hit by enemy fire and mortally wounded. His heroic action resulted in the saving of numerous lives and so inspired is comrades that they moved forward aggressively, and swiftly accomplished the unit's mission.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 159 (March 21, 1951)
Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

PERRY, MILLER O.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Miller O. Perry (0-18427), Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the 52d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Perry distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Osan, Korea, on 5 July 1950. On this date Lieutenant Colonel Perry voluntarily accompanied one of his batteries, part of a task force numbering less than four hundred men, deep into enemy territory. The task force organized a defensive position in the path of the advancing enemy and Colonel Perry remained to assist the infantry battalion commander and direct the artillery battery. The enemy attacked in overwhelming numbers, supported by heavy tanks and, without regard for his own personal safety, Colonel Perry manned a rocket launcher from an exposed position firing at tanks from distances of ten to fifteen yards. The rockets were ineffective against the heavy armor, so Colonel Perry ordered his 105-mm. howitzers to place direct fire on the tanks, destroying six. During a lull in the firing the enemy displayed a flag of truce and Colonel Perry, in advancing to recognize the flag, was fired on and wounded. He refused to be evacuated and later on directed the fire that enabled his battery to break out of encirclement, then personally led them twenty miles through enemy held territory to safety.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 76 (September 20, 1950)
Home Town: Sarasota, Florida

PETERS, MILTON L., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Milton L. Peters, Jr. (ER31507272), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Peters distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kumhwa, Korea, on 16 October 1952. Spearheading an assault on the left finger of a strategic hill complex, Sergeant Peters and his platoon moved in as a skirmisher down a narrow, tortuous communications trench toward "Pike's Peak." Advancing at the head of the men, he threw napalm and grenades into enemy bunkers with deadly accuracy. When an officer who was to accompany the platoon on an intelligence mission passed a seemingly unoccupied cave, an enemy soldier jumped from the position and wounded him with machine-gun fire. The officer returned the fire with his pistol, but it was ineffectual. Rushing to the aid of the stricken man, Sergeant Peters killed the assailant, then evacuated the officer to the rear. Returning with a napalm satchel charge, he hurled it into the aperture, but it exploded prematurely and he was engulfed in searing flames and severely burned. Despite the pain, he refused evacuation and continued to lead the advance until ordered to retire for medical treatment. His courageous actions exacted a toll of 26 enemy, cleared the foe from the area, and enabled friendly forces to secure the objective.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 84 (November 3, 1954)
Home Town: Worcester, Massachusetts

*PETERSON, CLARENCE AMES
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Clarence Ames Peterson (RA11067711), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. Master Sergeant Peterson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Parun-ni, Korea, on 26 March 1951. On that date, Master Sergeant Peterson's company was given the mission of securing Hill 228, a commanding terrain feature near Parun-ni, occupied by well-entrenched enemy troops estimated at battalion strength. The 2d platoon was selected as the lead element of the assault, and as it advanced across the fire-swept area toward the hill, the platoon leader and four key noncommissioned officers were wounded. Sergeant Peterson, a member of the platoon, immediately moved to the front of the platoon and assumed command, continuing the assault. At one point during the assault an enemy machine-gun manned by five soldiers opened fire on the platoon and pinned it down. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Peterson crawled to a position within twenty yards of the machine-gun and from that point, armed only with carbine and trench knife, assaulted the gun emplacement, killing the five enemy troops. The elimination of this weapon enabled his platoon and the platoon on the right flank to continue their assault with minimum casualties. Shortly after knocking out the enemy machine-gun, Sergeant Peterson was killed by a burst of enemy fire; however, his aggressive leadership and courageous devotion to duty so inspired the remaining members of his platoon that they engaged the hostile force in hand-to-hand combat, killing eighty enemy troops, capturing ten, and forcing the remainder to flee in wild disorder.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 459 (June 25, 1951)
Home Town: Knox, Maine

PHOENIX, EARL C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Earl C. Phoenix (RA17246652), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Corporal Phoenix distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Takhyan-dong, Korea, on 27 November 1950. On that date, Corporal Phoenix was assigned as machine gunner on the lead vehicle of a combat patrol committed to recover a vehicle lost in an ambush earlier in the day when the patrol came under heavy hostile fire from mortars, automatic weapons, and small arms that halted its advance. Corporal Phoenix immediately opened fire on the enemy which retarded their attack, limited their fire power, and allowed his comrades to dismount and set up defensive positions. When hit by enemy fire and knocked from the vehicle, he struggled back to his position and continued firing. Struck a second time by enemy fire, he ignored his wounds and continued to deliver deadly fire against the assailants until his ammunition became exhausted. He then rendered his weapon unserviceable to the enemy before consenting to be evacuated. His determined action enabled his patrol to contain the enemy attack until aid could be summoned and the wounded evacuated. The heroic actions and sustained devotion to duty exemplified by Corporal Phoenix reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 85 (September 25, 1951)

PICOU, WILFRED J.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Wilfred J. Picou, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a machine-gunner with Company K, 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Corporal Picou distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Pungchon-ni, Korea, on 18 May 1951. On that date, Company K was subjected to a series of fanatical assaults by a numerically superior enemy force. During one of those assaults, Corporal Picou was driven from his position when an enemy grenade landed in his machine-gun emplacement. Immediately after the grenade exploded, three enemy soldiers took a position behind the machine-gun and began firing on the friendly troops. Unhesitatingly Corporal Picou charged through the hail of enemy machine-gun fire and single- handedly assaulted the enemy position with grenades, killing the three soldiers at the gun and two others who were nearby. His dauntless actions prevented the death of many of his comrades and removed a serious threat to the defense of his entire unit.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 479 (June 30, 1951)

*PIERCE, CARL F.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Carl F. Pierce (RA35366490), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Pierce distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Satae- ri, Korea, on 24 February 1953. Leading a contact patrol committed to close with and capture or destroy hostile troops, Master Sergeant Pierce and his valiant soldiers forged up the steep, barren approach to within approximately one hundred yards of a well-fortified enemy outpost and came under withering automatic-weapons and rifle fire which halted the advance. Realizing the success of the mission was imperiled, he quickly moved to the point position and spearheaded an assault carrying to within fifty yards of the objective when enemy grenades rained down, which wounded him and several other members of the group. Disregarding the wound, he shouted words of encouragement to the men and urged them forward in a daring charge. Minutes later, when an enemy grenade fell to the ground near him, Sergeant Pierce hurled himself on it, absorbing the blast and saving his comrades form possible serious injury. Although wounded again in this action, he remained steadfast until the patrol broke contact with the enemy. He then directed an orderly withdrawal to the safety of the valley below.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 72 (September 23, 1953)
Home Town: Clay, Indiana

PINNEY, DAVID R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to David R. Pinney (RA11146191), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Pinney distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Mayon-ni, Korea, on 23 March 1953. Sergeant Pinney, responsible for protecting the command post, upon hearing a disturbance moved forward to investigate. As Sergeant Pinney approached the command post bunker, an enemy solider at a distance of about ten yards opened fire and wounded the bunker guard. Sergeant Pinney fired at the enemy soldier and killed him, but a grenade which the enemy soldier exploded and seriously wounded him. This action set off an enemy attack and, although he was in great pain, he formed his men into a close perimeter defense, checked their positions, and directed their fire, adding his own accurate rifle fire to the attempt to ward off the hostile forces. In the course of the battle, Sergeant Pinney observed an enemy soldier moving toward one of his men who had been wounded. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Pinney moved through the withering fire toward the wounded man. When he had almost reached him he was again hit by an enemy grenade. Unable to rise as a result of his wounds, Sergeant Pinney crawled to his comrade and, using the stricken man's weapon, killed the advancing soldier and others who followed. Sergeant Pinney continued to direct accurate rifle fire into the enemy ranks until he was wounded a third time. He was then carried to a position where he could direct the men, and he remained there, refusing medical aid, until the attack had been successfully repelled.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 442 (May 1, 1953)
Home Town: Cheshire, New Hampshire

*POHLMAN, WILLIAM R.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William R. Pohlman (RA17318035), Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Private First Class Pohlman distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea, on 7 February 1953. On that date, Private Pohlman was an element leader of the left element of a combat patrol which had maneuvered into assault positions and opened fire on enemy emplacements. When an enemy machine-gunner directed accurate fire into his section of the group, delaying its advance, Private Pohlman climbed to the top of a small mound and single-handedly destroyed the crew with his machine-gun. Disregarding all thoughts of personal safety, Private Pohlman held his position in the face of intense counter-fire and succeeded in diverting hostile fire from the rest of the patrol, enabling them to effectively organize and move in to engage the enemy. Private Pohlman continued his courageous stand until he was fatally wounded. His heroism so inspired his comrades that they were able to completely secure the left flank of the position.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 592 (June 23, 1953)
Home Town: Adams, Illinois

*PONCIANO, BENJAMIN A.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Benjamin A. Ponciano (RA30111683), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant Ponciano distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Waegwan, Korea, on 16 September 1950. Sergeant Ponciano, with a companion, was assisting his platoon in attacking the center of a ridge from which came a preponderance of enemy fire, a strongpoint that was successfully holding up the advance of the entire battalion. Being on the left flank of his platoon, he observed prepared enemy positions that posed a serious threat to the left rear of his advancing platoon. Unable to attract the attention of the endangered personnel, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he attempted to eliminate the nearest enemy machine-gun position. Together with his companion, he was able to destroy the enemy machine-gun, but in so doing was mortally wounded and sacrificed his own life in order to protect his comrades.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 19, (January 12, 1951)
Home Town: Kahuku, Hawaii

POOVEY, JUNIUS G.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Junius G. Poovey (RA34964159), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Poovey distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Uiryong, Korea, on 2 September 1950. On this date Company G was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. The forward elements of the 3d platoon were overrun and hand-to-hand combat ensued. Sergeant First Class Poovey, without regard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire and engaged in the hand-to-hand conflict. Within a few moments the Company Commander, Platoon Leader, and the Platoon Sergeant were killed. Sergeant Poovey immediately took command and directed the fire of his Platoon. Throughout the day Sergeant Poovey exposed himself to enemy hand grenades and devastating artillery, mortar, automatic weapons, and self-propelled gun fire to direct accurate mortar and artillery fire on the attacking enemy, repulsing numerous assaults. He assisted in aid to the wounded, and after ordered to do so by the Battalion Commander, organized and supervised the orderly withdrawal under cover of darkness. Sergeant Poovey was the last man to leave the position, and through his extraordinary heroism the lives of twenty wounded men were saved and all of the unit's equipment was retained.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 175 (November 17, 1950)
Home Town: Catawba, North Carolina

*PORTER, RAYMOND S.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Raymond S. Porter (US55057011), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a machine gunner with Company F, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Corporal Porter distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Imokchong, Korea, on 10 October 1951. On that date, Corporal Porter's company was attempting to dislodge a large hostile force from a strategic hill. The enemy troops were occupying elaborately prepared defensive positions and their well- protected automatic weapons poured a steady stream of fire down on the friendly troops, forcing them to seek cover at the base of the slope. In addition to enemy small-arms and automatic weapons fire, the entire area occupied by the friendly force was undergoing an almost continuous mortar and artillery bombardment. Realizing that his comrades face annihilation if they remained in their present positions, Corporal Porter, rushed across the fire-swept terrain and placed his machine-gun in an exposed position, forcing the enemy to concentrate their fire on him. When a ruptured cartridge rendered his weapon inoperative, he moved back down the slope, obtained an automatic rifle, and returned to his position. Pouring deadly accurate fire into numerous enemy emplacements an killing many of the hostile troops, Corporal Porter refused to abandon his open position despite the fact that a tremendous amount of hostile fire was brought to bear on him. For over an hour, he methodically neutralized enemy positions to provide a path for his comrades up the hill until he was hit and mortally wounded by the intense hostile mortar fire.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 204 (April 19, 1952)
Home Town: Morton, North Dakota

*PORUBSKY, SYLVESTER V.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sylvester V. Porubsky (0-1313302), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Porubsky distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chirwon-ni, Korea, on 1 September 1950. On this date, Company A was assigned the mission of retaking a ridge in the vicinity of Chirwon-ni, Korea. Shortly after darkness Lieutenant Porubsky deployed his platoon in a skirmish line and moved slowly and silently up the hill through the hostile fire. When the silently-moving group unnerved the enemy and flashes from their weapons disclosed the hostile positions, Lieutenant Porubsky and his platoon neutralized the opposition with grenades. As the platoon continued its movement up the hill, the enemy, terrified by the silent attack, hastily abandoned their positions and fled. When the enemy moved over the crest of the hill, Lieutenant Porubsky led his platoon in a charge which destroyed the hostile ranks with grenades and rifle fire, accounted for thirty enemy dead, and secured a vital position in the battalion defense line.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 169 (November 13, 1950)
Home Town: Shawnee, Kansas

*POSTLETHWAIT, CLARENCE EUGENE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Clarence Eugene Postlethwait (RA06898582), Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a medical aidman with Company C, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant First Class Postlethwait distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Unsan, Korea, on 2 November 1950. On that date, the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry) was completely surrounded and contained in a small defense perimeter in an open field and pinned down by heavy concentrations of enemy automatic small-arms fire. There were approximately 125 American wounded within the defense perimeter who had received no medical attention due to the fact that all medical supplies were aboard a truck which had to be abandoned during the preceding night's furious engagement and which was located at an exposed point approximately 75 yards outside the defense perimeter, in full view of the enemy. Sergeant First Class Postlethwait fearlessly volunteered to attempt to reach the truck and bring back medications and bandages to enable the battalion surgeon to render emergency treatment to the wounded. With utter disregard for his own safety, he left the comparative cover of the defense perimeter, made his way to the truck amidst bursts of fire from enemy snipers, and collected the necessary medical supplies. He had all but arrived back at the defense perimeter when he was mortally wounded by fragments from enemy grenades.
Department of the Army: General Orders No. 51 (November 29, 1956)
Home Town: Erie, Pennsylvania

POWELL, HERBERT BUTLER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Herbert Butler Powell (0-16684), Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Colonel Powell distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Pung-san, Korea, during the period from 1 through 21 November 1950. Colonel Powell's unit was viciously assaulted near Pung-san by a numerically superior force which threatened penetration of the leading elements. In the face of devastating hostile fire, Colonel Powell went forward and directed the employment of elements of his command and repulsed the attack. Later, while approaching Pincho-ri, a reconnaissance patrol detected an ambush in a narrow defile which the armored spearhead had entered. Although suffering from a severe leg injury sustained while organizing his men for counterattack and which was aggravated by the bitter cold weather, Colonel Powell scorning the withering barrage of fire, moved painfully through the impact area and, miraculously escaping death, reached the most forward elements of his command and directed intense supporting fire which rapidly dislodged the stubborn foe. Colonel Powell continued close personal liaison with forward echelons, fearlessly traveling hundreds of miles over rugged terrain, frequently through enemy sniper fire, to direct patrolling and reorganization in preparation for a major attack across the Ungi River.
General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 172 (July 2, 1951)
Born: July 13, 1903 at Monmouth, Oregon
Home Town: Monmouth, Oregon

POWERS, JOHN J., JR.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John J. Powers, Jr. (0-27478), Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Captain Powers distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea.
Army Register (1955)
Home Town: Washington, D.C.

*PRESSLER, ROBERT H.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert H. Pressler (RA33114359), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 8066th Mechanized Reconnaissance Platoon attached to the 89th Medium Tank Battalion, 29th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Pressler distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chinju, Korea, on 11 August 1950. Sergeant Pressler was assigned duty as the driver of a gasoline truck refueling tanks for the 89th Medium Tank Battalion in the front lines. On arriving at the front lines, Sergeant Pressler learned of a tank which had ran out of gas behind enemy lines and, accompanied by a small squad of infantry in a truck, went forward into enemy territory. During the advance the small convoy was ambushed by two hundred enemy. During the firefight which followed, Sergeant Pressler ordered the rest of the men to leave and remained in his position, placing accurate fire on the enemy, which delayed their advance, enabling the rest of the men to withdraw. During this action Sergeant Pressler was killed in action.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 68 (September 15, 1950)
Home Town: Prince Georges, Maryland

PSIHAS, GEORGE PETER
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George Peter Psihas (0-64184), Second Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Psihas distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Naebongchon, Korea on the night of 28 May 1952. On that date, Lieutenant Psihas was commanding a small patrol in an outpost beyond friendly lines when he suddenly detected the sound of movement in the darkness before him. Standing up, he saw that a hostile force was creeping toward the friendly entrenchments. He immediately opened fire with his carbine, and a pitched battle ensued, with the numerically superior enemy swarming into the defensive positions to engage in vicious, direct conflict with the friendly troops. Although his carbine jammed, Lieutenant Psihas continued to direct the fire of his men and to engage the foe in hand-to-hand combat. Inspired by his example of personal fearlessness, the friendly forces managed to repulse the fanatical enemy assault. Despite the fact that he had been wounded in battle, Lieutenant Psihas, refusing medical attention, hurriedly prepared his men for a second attack. When the attack came, he supervised the defense as the enemy forces were again thrown back, suffering heavy casualties. Still refusing medical aid, Lieutenant Psihas saw that his men had almost exhausted their supply of ammunition. Unhesitatingly he left the relative safety of the trenches and, moving quickly over the battlefield, gathered ammunition from the fallen enemy dead. No sooner had the ammunition been distributed, than the hostile force lau