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Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 202 - April 13, 1951
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal [then Private First Class] Alfred B. Adams, (ASN: RA-15423301)United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Corporal Adams distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces when his battalion launched an attack near Chinju, Korea, on 25 September 1950. On that date, Company F, on the left flank of the battalion, was nearing its objective when it was pinned down by heavy enemy automatic-weapons and small-arms fire. Corporal Adams, exposing himself to hostile fire, went to an advantageous position, set up his machine-gun, and delivered effective fire on the enemy until his ammunition was exhausted. Leaving his position, he ran across approximately forty yards of fire-swept terrain to help a wounded man to safety, and then returned to the dangerous area and evacuated another wounded comrade. When he observed that a platoon had launched an assault on the next ridge, Corporal Adams obtained ammunition, retrieved his machine-gun and, placing it in a new position on the forward slope of a hill, delivered such accurate and devastating fire on the enemy that the assaulting platoon was able to overrun and destroy them. The extraordinary heroism of Corporal Adams reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 3 - January 1, 1954
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard S. Agnew (ASN: 0-1925377), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Agnew distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea, on 19 July 1953. On that date, Lieutenant Agnew was serving as the leader of a combat patrol operating far ahead of the United Nations main line of resistance when he and the assistant patrol leader fell from a cliff. Although his ankle was painfully injured and he was in enemy territory, Lieutenant Agnew ordered the patrol to return to friendly lines and establish plans to rejoin allied forces the following evening. The following night, Lieutenant Agnew and his comrade scaled the cliff and proceeded toward United Nations territory. When challenged by an enemy soldier, Lieutenant Agnew ignored his weakened condition, engaged him in hand to hand combat and killed him with his own weapon. Hearing other enemy forces advancing, Lieutenant Agnew then pulled the pin on his remaining hand grenade and tied it to his hand before falling to the ground in exhaustion. He was later found in a semi-conscious condition by a United Nations patrol. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Agnew on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military services.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 85 - February 10, 1952
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant John Alexander Jr. (ASN: US-53016549), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader of an Infantry Company of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Alexander distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Hagaenyong, Korea, on 12 September 1951. On that date, Sergeant Alexander's men comprised the lead squad in an assault launched by his company against a numerically superior hostile force occupying heavily fortified hill emplacements. As the friendly troops advanced on the objective, they were subjected to a barrage of grenades and a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic weapons fire from the enemy positions. Locating the hostile emplacement from which most of the fire originated, Sergeant Alexander led his men in repeated assaults against it, but each time they were hurled back because of the heavy fire. Realizing that this men would be annihilated if the position was not neutralized, Sergeant Alexander left his position and, without regard for his personal safety, single-handedly charged the enemy strongpoint. Although the entire firepower of the hostile force was being concentrated on him, he steadfastly moved forward, alternately hurling grenades and firing his rifle. As he neared the position, an enemy grenade bounced form his helmet and exploded at his feet, destroying his weapon and knocking him to the ground. Undaunted, he jumped to his feet and, even though he was without a weapon, resumed his assault. Reaching the hostile position, he leaped inside and, wrenching a machine-gun from one of the enemy soldier, he killed all of the occupants of the entrenchment. Then, signaling his men to move forward, he led them in an assault which drove the hostile force from the hill with heavy casualties.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 227 - May 1, 1952
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Charlie E. Allen (ASN: US-53061833), United States 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 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Private First Class Allen distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on the morning of 4 October 1951. On that date, the company of which Private Allen was a member was occupying a strategic hill when it was brought under fire by hostile troops emplaced on adjacent ridges. This harassing fire threatened to make the friendly positions untenable and squads were sent to attack and eliminate the enemy emplacements. As Private Allen and his comrades assaulted one of the ridges, they were subjected to a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from the enemy positions, effectively pinning them down. In the initial burst of fire, Private Allen observed one of his comrades fall wounded on exposed terrain. Without regard for his personal safety, he hastened to the man's side in an effort to render aid. Upon reaching the stricken soldier, Private Allen attempted to evacuate him but the hostile troops threw a large number of grenades at the position occupied by the two men. As the grenades began to explode all about him, Private Allen, thinking only of the safety of his comrade, dropped to the ground and courageously shielded the man's body with his own. His selfless action saved the life of the wounded soldier, but it cost Private Allen his own for he was mortally wounded by grenade fragments.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 64 - February 10, 1951
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant John P. Allen (ASN: RA-35016145), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Allen distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces Ghingdon-ni, Korea, on 15 September 1950. When Company G was ordered to attack an enemy position, Sergeant Allen's platoon became heavily engaged, Sergeant Allen was ordered to move his machine-gun squad to a ridge in order to better support the attack. When he reached the ridge line and began setting up his machine-gun to support the attacking elements, an enemy soldier threw a grenade in the middle of the squad. With complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Allen threw his body over the grenade in order to protect his men; however, the grenade failed to explode. Sergeant Allen's squad was so inspired by this action that they delivered the seriously needed supporting fire with great ferocity, aiding the attacking elements to take the objective and accomplish their mission. Sergeant Allen's gallant offer to sacrifice his life and his dauntless leadership were an inspiration to all men who witnessed the action.
General Headquarters Far East Command
General Orders No. 43 - 23 October 1950
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major General Edward M. Almond (ASN: 0-466), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General of X Corps. Major General Almond distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea during the period from 15 to 25 September 1950. During the seizure of Inchon, General Almond personally visited front line units, coordinated tactical efforts, and by his own fearless example aided them in seizing assigned objectives. Following the fall of Inchon, General Almond personally led his troops in their rapid drive through enemy-held territory to seize Seoul, and to speed the disintegration of the enemy forces. During the assault of the Han River, he moved to a forward position well beyond the line of friendly forces to observe and control the river crossing. Despite heavy enemy mortar fire directed at him, General Almond remained to supervise the air and artillery support which was protecting the first units of the Seventh Infantry Division crossing the river. Disregarding enemy mine fields and sniper fire, he proceeded to the crossing site to direct fire of amphibious tanks neutralizing enemy opposition which was impeding our crossing. By his inspirational leadership, his complete indifference to danger, and personal control of the battlefield, General Almond quickly concluded tactical operations which destroyed the enemy forces in the X Corps zone of action and saved countless lives in the forces under his command.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 362 - May 28, 1951
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant General Edward M. Almond (ASN: 0-466), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding General, X Corps. Lieutenant General Almond distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces during the massive offensive by three known Communist Armies against the X Corps, during the period from 16 through 25 May 1951. General Almonde personally directed the historic defense which contained this attack and resulted in crushing losses in enemy manpower and materiel. During this period General Almond distinguished himself by countless acts of individual heroism as well as providing the inspiration, leadership and tactical skill which contributed materially the success of this operation. On 19 May 1951, while reconnoitering enemy positions in a light aircraft, he observed 250 enemy at a point forward of a friendly tank patrol. General Almond landed his plane by the tank column and sent the tank platoon leader in his aide's plane to observe the enemy group. While with the tank column the enemy set up a machine gun within 500 yards of his position. Without regard for hostile fire from this gun, he directed tank fire which silenced the weapon. The tank platoon went on to destroy the 250 enemy. On 21 May 1951, General Almond made an aerial reconnaissance before a tank column operating at Soksa-ri, Korea. While flying low over this area, General Almond received intense automatic-weapons fire. Again, without regard for personal safety, he located these weapons and personally directed their destruction. Again on 25 May 1951, he made four flights in an unarmed light plane through the enemy-held mountain pass between Hangye and the Umyang bridgehead on the Seyang River. Despite intense enemy small-arms and friendly artillery fire, he returned time and again to insure proper command and liaison between friendly forces operating at both ends of the pass. These specific acts, as well as countless visits to forward-most command posts, provided the inspiration and forceful leadership essential at this critical time.
Headquarters, Far East Command
General Orders No. 177 - July 7, 1951
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alfred Julius Anderson (ASN: 0-59289), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Anderson 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 29 and 30 November 1950. On 29 November 1950, at approximately 0630 hours, Lieutenant Anderson's company, moving in motor convoy to join other units of the regiment near the Chosin Reservoir, was ambushed by a ruthless, hostile force, overwhelmingly superior in number. In the ensuing action, the column was divided in two, causing disorder among the troops, and Lieutenant Anderson immediately regrouped all available men and readied a defensive perimeter to meet the enemy onslaught. Armed only with a pistol, he constantly braved intense hostile fire as he moved calmly among the men, bolstering morale and securing each position. Lieutenant Anderson's skillful deployment of his forces enabled the unit to repulse repeated attacks throughout the bitter cold night; and, on two occasions, he closed in hand-to-hand combat with fanatical enemy soldiers, who had infiltrated the outer line of resistance, and succeeded in killing them with his pistol while deflecting their weapons with his other hand. Upon orders to withdraw at 0600 on 30 November 1950, Lieutenant Anderson organized and successfully led a retrograde action through heavy enemy concentrations and reached friendly forces. Lieutenant Anderson's inspirational leadership, sustained courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect utmost credit on himself and the honored traditions of military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 256 - May 1, 1951
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Medical Corps) Clarence Leroy Anderson (ASN: 0-61069), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Officer attached to the 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Captain Anderson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Unsan, Korea, on 1 and 2 November 1950. On the afternoon of 1 November 1950, and continuing through the following thirty-six hours, the regiment was subjected to a relentless, fanatical attack by the enemy. At approximately 0100 hours, the enemy penetrated the lines and the 3d Battalion was ordered to cover the withdrawal of the remaining regimental units. When the enemy mounted a strong attack against the battalion, Captain Anderson, with complete disregard for his personal safety, repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire in order to administer medical attention to the wounded. At approximately 0200 hours, the battalion was ordered to begin its withdrawal. Fully realizing the hazards involved, Captain Anderson voluntarily remained behind as the battalion withdrew in order to give medical assistance to wounded personnel. Captain Anderson's gallant decision to remain with his wounded comrades reflects utmost credit on himself and the medical profession.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 903 - November 16, 1951
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Clyde T. Anderson (ASN: RA-38070559), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Private First Class Anderson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Inje, Korea, on 29 May 1951. On that date, Private Anderson was traveling in a convoy when it was ambushed by a numerically superior hostile force. Subjected to a heavy volume of enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire, most of the friendly troops scattered and attempted to fight their way through the surrounding enemy. Private Anderson, however, remained by his vehicle, fighting fiercely and courageously. The numerical superiority of the attacking enemy force made it obvious that Private Anderson faced certain death if he remained in his position and yet, even with this knowledge, he closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. Although painfully wounded, he met each attack with courage and determination, and in the final hostile assault he killed four of the enemy with his bayonet before he fell, mortally wounded. His gallant stand against overwhelming odds enabled his inspired comrades to reorganize and counterattack, successfully repulsing the hostile force.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 88 - February 10, 1952
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant First Class Richard V. Anderson (ASN: RA-26242415), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 70th Medium Tank Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Anderson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chonjamal, Korea, on 29 October 1951. On that date, as United Nations units prepared to launch an assault against a strong hostile force, the tank section, of which Sergeant Anderson was a member, was ordered to proceed to the rear of the enemy entrenchments in order to support a friendly force which was about to engage in a flanking attack. With only one route of approach open to them, the friendly tanks moved boldly toward the objective but they were soon stopped by a wide minefield which was being continually raked by enemy automatic weapons fire. Knowing that the friendly attack would fail without the planned support of the tanks, Sergeant Anderson fearlessly dismounted from his vehicle and, with the help of two comrades, began clearing a path through the field by digging up the mines, one by one. As he moved with caution across the hazardous terrain, he directed the fire of the tanks behind him against the hostile emplacement, but still the enemy fire continued to hit all about him. With the field cleared and thirty-five of the enemy lying dead, through his skillful fire direction, Sergeant Anderson climbed into his tank once more and led the section to a strategic ridge from which effective fire was placed on the hostile force occupying the hill. So devastating was the fire he directed in support of the friendly troops that the enemy soldiers attacked the tanks repeatedly in a frantic effort to silence them. Eventually, the desperate fire of the foe caused Sergeant Anderson's tank to burst in flames. Although seriously wounded by enemy small-arms fire and shell fragments, he left the tank and extinguished the blaze. Then, refusing medical attention, he directed the section to a new position from which they continued their deadly accurate fire. Only when his was assured that the objective had been secured, did he allow himself to be evacuated for treatment.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 243 - May 9, 1952
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Toshio Aoyagi (ASN: 0-2263324), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Leader with an Infantry Company of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Aoyagi distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chungae-ri, Korea, on 4 October 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Aoyagi was instructed to lead his men in an attack against a well-entrenched hostile force occupying a strategic slope. After advancing through light resistance to within thirty yards of the enemy main line of defense, the friendly troops were suddenly subjected to a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic weapons fire which pinned them down. In the initial phase of this attack, Lieutenant Aoyagi's radio was shot from his hands, and having no communication with the remainder of the friendly force, he was forced to act independently. First, he attempted to direct his men in outmaneuvering the hostile positions but they were unable to coordinate their actions because of the intense hostile fire. Realizing that the attack would fail unless the key enemy emplacements were destroyed, Lieutenant Aoyagi gathered extra grenades and magazines for his carbine and moved forward alone after ordering his men to fire as rapidly as possible at the enemy. Although the friendly troops were unable to gain fire superiority over the hostile force, Lieutenant Aoyagi, without regard for his personal safety, charged forward in a bold, single-handed attack. The three enemy positions that were the key to the hostile defenses were grouped closely together and he advanced directly into the heavy fire being concentrated on him by all three of them. Reaching the first, he silenced it with a burst from his carbine. The second, he neutralized with well-aimed grenades. Between these two emplacements, there ran a trench which led to the third and, without hesitation, Lieutenant Aoyagi leaped into it and continued his assault. One of the hostile soldiers, in desperation, reached around a corner in the trench without exposing himself and fired a burst from his automatic weapon. The fire hit Lieutenant Aoyagi's carbine and rendered it useless and also seriously wounded him in the abdomen. Undaunted, he destroyed the position with grenades. His intrepid actions forced a breach in the enemy line and the friendly troops rushed forward and secured their objective. Then, despite intense pain, he deployed his men in defensive positions in anticipation of an enemy counterattack. Only when he was sure that they were adequately prepared did he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. Lieutenant Aoyagi was from Hawaii.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 127 - March 5, 1952
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Donald J. Arthur (ASN: 0-1331132), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while Commanding an Infantry Company of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Captain Arthur distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 3 October 1951. On that date, Captain Arthur led his men in an attack against a large hostile force occupying a strategic hill. Two other friendly companies had previously attacked the enemy positions only to be hurled back with heavy casualties. As his men struggled to advance against the tremendous volume of enemy fire, Captain ARTHUR realized that the only means of wresting the hill from the enemy was a rapid and concentrated attack by his men, directly up the slope. Moving from man to man, he instructed them to fix bayonets and prepare for a frontal assault. When he gave the order to charge, Captain Arthur observed that his men were reluctant to face the heavy enemy fire and so, with utter disregard for his personal safety, he stood before them, fully exposed to intense small-arms and automatic weapons fire, and called for them to follow him. As he charged up the slope and leaped into an enemy position, his men, inspired by his fearless actions, moved forward in a body and engaged the enemy in close combat. Fighting fiercely, Captain Arthur was attempting to drive the enemy from an emplacement when a grenade exploded, seriously wounding him. Although he tried repeatedly to regain his footing and continue to lead the attack, his wounds made this impossible. But his men, imbued with his own courage, overran the hostile emplacements and secured the objective.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 28 (March 13, 1952)
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Jose M. Artiaga, Jr., Army of the Philippines, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Tenth Battalion Combat Team, Philippine Expeditionary force to Korea, in action against enemy forces at Yuctong, Korea on 22 and 23 April 1951. Throughout the night his platoon was repeatedly assaulted by a fanatical and numerically superior hostile force of Chinese Communists. With utter disregard for his safety and constantly exposed to heavy machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire, Lieutenant Artiaga moved about the sector held by his men to steady, encourage, and deploy them to insure the best defense of their positions. Despite exhaustion, isolation from other elements of the company, and the disaster which seemed imminent, his troops tenaciously repulsed repeated attacks and inflicted numerous casualties. While tirelessly directing the fire of his depleted force, he was mortally wounded, but his courage and indomitable fighting spirit so imbued his troops with a spirit of irrepressible determination that they held the positions until relief arrived.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 620 - August 6, 1951
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Alton M. Ashworth (ASN: ER-38589076), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Sergeant ASHWORTH distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Unsan-ni, North Korea, on 2 December 1950. Sergeant Ashworth's company was assigned the mission of securing the high ground along the edge of a route over which the regiment was planning a withdrawal to escape an enemy trap. As the men moved into the assault, they encountered intense machine-gun fire from an enemy emplacement on their left flank. As Sergeant Ashworth deployed his men into position to silence the weapon, they were pinned down by the fire of a second machine-gun. Realizing that his initial mission could not be completed until this new threat was neutralized, he immediately moved forward to within ten feet of the emplacement and silenced the weapon with grenades. Suddenly an enemy soldier charged down upon him with a grenade in his hand. Sergeant Ashworth successfully cut him down with a burst from his carbine, but was mortally wounded by fragments from the exploding grenade. Although he was dying on his feet, he refused evacuation but instead organized his men and led them forward in a charge which secured the main objective.
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps) Oren C. Atchley (ASN: 0-31111), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 7th Medical Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Atchley distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Pungsan, Korea, on 24 November 1950. While at a forward command post, Colonel Atchley organized a search party to attempt to locate an ambulance with wounded men that was missing in enemy territory. The search party was attacked while he was on reconnaissance, and he was separated from the other men. On his return, without hesitation and fully aware of the odds against him, he fired on the enemy, distracting them, giving his men time to escape. When last seen he was fearlessly maintaining his stand and urging the others to withdraw.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea
General Orders No. 695 (September 14, 1951)
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Virgil Milton Atwood (ASN: 0-2262952), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Second Lieutenant Atwood distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Okkye-ri, Korea, on 3 June 1951. Lieutenant Atwood was the leader of the assault platoon in an attack against an enemy-held hill. As the platoon advanced to the crest of the hill, it was suddenly subjected to intense enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from well-fortified and camouflaged emplacements manned by a hostile force estimated at battalion strength. Realizing that in their present exposed position the platoon faced annihilation, Lieutenant Atwood, with complete disregard for his personal safety, charged up the slope toward the entrenchments. His heroic single-handed assault so surprised the enemy that they momentarily forgot the platoon, granting it time to seek cover, and instead concentrated their fire on Lieutenant Atwood. Rapidly firing his carbine and throwing grenades among the confused enemy, he leaped into their midst and killed approximately twenty of them in addition to rendering six automatic weapons useless. With the enemy in his immediate vicinity eliminated, Lieutenant Atwood began to move foreword once mere but was hit and instantly killed by a bursting enemy shell.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 85 - 25 September 1951
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Robert J. Avington (ASN: RA-13273276), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Private First Class Avington distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hwachon, Korea, on 30 May 1951. On that date, the machine-gunner in his squad was seriously wounded, when Private Avington, despite a wound in his arm, placed the gun back in operation and successfully turned back an enemy attack in force. Aiding the seriously wounded gunner as best he could, he refused aid for himself and sent for a litter to evacuate his comrade. The enemy again sent a wave of troops to rush his position, and the remaining element of the hostile force attempted to isolate him from assistance by pouring heavy fire on his position. He again poured a relentless stream of fire into the on-rushing horde and, while reloading his weapon, was grazed on the head by rifle fire and thrown back from his gun by concussion grenades. Crawling back to his gun, and pausing only to throw out enemy grenades which were lobbed into his position, he again halted the hostile assault with his accurate fire. Several of his comrades sprang forward to render assistance, but Private Avington, although bleeding profusely from the head and arm, again refused evacuation and demanded more ammunition for his weapons. When the enemy launched third assault against his position, though nearly unconscious from loss of blood, he again directed a devastating stream of fire on the assaulting force until they fled in wild disorder. His determined and heroic action resulted in more than 150 dead Chinese Communist troops, numerous others wounded, and in saving the platoon position from being overrun