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Department of the Army
General Orders No. 8 - February 25, 1963
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), [then Second Lieutenant] Moir Earl Eanes (ASN: 0-2203088), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Eanes distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Chipo-ri, Korea, on 2 June 1951. Captain Eanes dauntlessly led the 3d Platoon, Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment in an attack on the left flank of the Company's objective, Hill 543. After the platoon worked its way up the forward slopes of the hill, it came upon stubborn enemy resistance comprised of numerous well concealed automatic weapons emplaced in the rocky crags. Although several of the men of the platoon were wounded in the initial attack, Captain Eanes quickly rallied the men and renewed the assault. As spearhead of the assault, he personally eliminated two enemy bunkers and led his platoon toward the crest of the hill. Upon reaching the top of the crest, he was wounded by an enemy grenade. Despite his wounds, he refused evacuation, consolidated the gains, and led his men to the final objective. A rain of grenades and hail of enemy bullets again deterred their progress, and although Captain Eanes was seriously wounded, he did not accept evacuation until the platoon was turned over to the platoon sergeant. Captain Eanes' conspicuous gallantry, forceful leadership, and dedicated devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, X Corps
General Orders No. 38 - November 20, 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 Corporal Allen C. Earnest (ASN: 38451870), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 73d Heavy Tank Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. Corporal Earnest distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Suwon, Korea, on 21 September 1950. On that date, Corporal Earnest was assigned duty as loader for the leading tank in Task Force Hannum. The task force was proceeding south with the mission of securing an air base. At approximately 2300, while passing through Suwon, the task force was brought under heavy tank, small-arms, automatic weapons, and anti-tank fire, and the leading tank was knocked out by a direct hit from an enemy T-34 tank. The tank gunner was killed outright, the driver and assistant driver were both wounded and unconscious, the tank commander (company commander) was so severely wounded that he could not be moved, and Corporal Earnest had both feet blown off. Despite the excruciating pain of his incapacitating wounds and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Corporal Earnest attempted to render first aid to his mortally wounded company commander. Corporal Earnest then pulled himself from the tank turret and dragged himself across the rear deck. Through a veritable hail of machine-gun bullets, Corporal Earnest dragged himself along the ground to warn following tanks of the situation and to seek aid for his fallen comrades. The information Corporal Earnest was able to give saved the following tanks and resulted in the destruction of the enemy tank which was holding up the advance. When medical aid arrived, Corporal Earnest refused to be evacuated until his company commander and other members of his tank crew had been treated.
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 pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Richard O. Eiler (ASN: 0-58140), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company D, 8th Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. First Lieutenant Eiler distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kasan, Korea, on 5 September 1950. Defending the right flank of the company perimeter, Lieutenant Eiler's platoon was subjected to vicious hostile fire from two machine-guns which reduced its strength to twelve men, several of whom were wounded. In order to save his depleted unit from potential annihilation, Lieutenant Eiler crawled fifty yards up a slope, threw two grenades into an emplacement, and silenced one harassing gun. Returning to his platoon, he ordered its withdrawal in the face of a renewed and determined enemy attack, and proceeded to provide covering fire for his men. While assisting the wounded men over a high wall obstructing the withdrawal, he was seriously wounded, but ordered his men to continue on to safety without him. Selecting a position which provided an excellent field of observation, he delivered a withering fire into the hostile ranks until his position was overrun and he was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Eiler's superb leadership, deep concern for the welfare and safety of his men, and noble self-sacrifice reflect the greatest credit on himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 4 - 7 February 1951
Corporal Coleman C. Ellison (then Private), Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company B, 27th Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy near Chung Chon-ni, Korea, on 2 August 1950. While advancing with his company across a bridge west of Chung Chon-ni, he spotted a group of the enemy in a gully attempting to flank the column. Realizing the danger, Corporal Ellison, although not a squad leader, on his own initiative collected and led a squad, attacked, and destroyed this group. After advancing a short distance, the column was ambushed and received devastatingly accurate machine-gun, mortar, and 20-mm fire from the front and flanks. An estimated 100 enemy were in position on the right flank on top of a rolling cliff and their heavy fire was inflicting many casualties. Corporal Ellison ran to the base of the cliff and started climbing. This daring action inspired the platoon to follow, scale the cliff, and assault the hostile position. Reaching the top of the cliff, the platoon was pinned down by heavy enemy fire. Seeing this desperate situation, Corporal Ellison sprang up and dashed to the enemy's flank, where he laid down accurate enfilade fire on the position. Expending his ammunition, he continued to advance, throwing grenades that destroyed the machine guns holding up the platoon's advance. Out of grenades, he ran to the platoon's position and seizing an automatic rifle from a wounded comrade, returned to the crest of the hill firing as he ran. The tenacious fearlessness of his frontal assault in the face of overwhelming odds and the devastating accuracy of his fire completely disrupted the enemy. In this action he killed 18 and routed the force, thereby enabling his platoon to take the hill and relieve the trapped column on the road below. Corporal Ellison's inspiring leadership and sustained heroism reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the United States Army.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 980 - October 31, 1953
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 Eldon J. Elthon, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Infantry Company of the 45th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Elthon distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Pau-gol, Korea, on the morning of 18 July 1953. On that date, Sergeant Elthon was a member of a platoon which was advancing to reinforce a besieged United Nations outpost. When his platoon leader was wounded, Sergeant Elthon immediately assumed command and directed the advance of the unit until it was halted by the combined fire of approximately fifteen enemy troops entrenched in a bunker. Unable to call in artillery because of lack of communications and unwilling to risk the lives of his men by bringing them into the direct line of fire, Sergeant Elthon advanced on the enemy position alone. Completely ignoring the intense small-arms and mortar barrage, Sergeant Elthon crawled to the top of the bunker and threw hand grenades into the aperture. Sergeant Elthon then braved the bombardment and crawled back to his men to supervise the evacuation of the wounded and re-deploy his platoon. Again re-crossing the exposed area, he continued to throw hand grenades in the bunker. Sergeant Elthon's fearless actions were responsible for the death of several enemy. In addition, he forced the remainder of the enemy troops to leave the bunker and surrender, enabling his platoon to continue in its vital mission. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Sergeant Elthon on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 330 - May 23, 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 (Infantry) John E. Emerson, Jr., 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 Company C, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Captain Emerson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kujan-dong, Korea, 26 November 1950. Captain Emerson, assigned the mission of attacking an enemy-held hill, led his men in seven daring charges against the enemy positions, inflicting heavy casualties on the hostile troops. As he was reforming his men for another charge, an estimated two enemy companies attacked the flanks of his unit. While repulsing this attack, Captain Emerson received orders to withdraw. Finding that the withdrawal route had been cut off by a third enemy company, he personally led his men in a bayonet assault on the hostile troops and broke through to a defensive position occupied by another company of the regiment and a platoon of tanks. When this position came under attack, Captain Emerson mounted one of the tanks and as enemy bullets ricocheted off the turret, fired the tank machine-gun with deadly accuracy until the supply of ammunition was exhausted. The resolute leadership and indomitable courage of Captain Emerson were instrumental in thwarting the attempts of the enemy to break through the defensive perimeter and encircle the friendly troops.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 475 - June 2, 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) Sherman W. Ensley, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving Commanding a Mortar Platoon of Company H, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Ensley distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kummul-gol, Korea, on 18 May 1951. On that date, the Mortar Platoon of Company H, commanded by Lieutenant Ensley, was surrounded by a numerically superior hostile force and cut off from the remainder of the battalion. Determined not to surrender nor to permit his weapons to fall into the hands of the enemy, he rallied his men and, heedless of the murderous hostile fire, led them in a daring breakthrough of the enemy encirclement. Upon rejoining his company, he found that he was the last remaining officer in the company and that much of the company equipment and several vehicles had been left in the previously-held positions. Quickly reorganizing the company, he led his men to the old positions, recovered the equipment and vehicles and several wounded men that had been left in the abandoned positions. Although constantly under intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Ensley successfully led his men back to the company assembly area and rejoined the battalion in its gallant stand which resulted in the infliction of staggering losses on the enemy and the subsequent dispersal of the hostile forces.
Corporal Albert C. Erickson...a member of Company C, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Chungung-ni, Korea. On 14 February 1951, the 1st Battalion was attacked by an enemy force of numerical superiority and a squad that was serving as an outpost was subjected to an intense volley of fire which wounded all except one member. As the squad began withdrawing from its exposed, vulnerable position, it was harassed by enemy fire which threatened to sever its route. Corporal Erickson from his position in the battalion perimeter saw the plight of the withdrawing squad and, with complete disregard for assault fire from an enemy group advancing on his position, shifted his line of fire to cover the movement of the beleaguered squad. This covering fire enabled the squad to withdraw to safety but in the course of the action, Corporal Erickson was hit by enemy fire and mortally wounded...
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 37- 29 April 1953
Sergeant Victor H. Espinoza, (then corporal), Infantry, Army of the United States, a member of Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy near Chorwon, Korea, on 1 August 1952. While spearheading an attack to secure "Old Baldy" his unit was pinned down by withering artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire from strongly fortified positions. Fully aware of the odds against him, Sergeant Espinoza stormed forward in a daring assault and, firing his rifle and throwing grenades, silenced a machine gun and its crew. Continuing up the fire-swept slope, e neutralized a mortar, wiped out two bunkers, and killed its defenders. After expending his ammunition, he employed enemy grenades, hurling them into the hostile trenches and inflicting additional casualties. Observing a tunnel on the crest of the hill which could not be destroyed by grenades, he obtained explosives, entered the tunnel, set the charge, and destroyed the tunnel and troops it sheltered. His fearless display of valor inspired all who observed him and enabled the unit to continue the assault and secure the strong point. Sergeant Espinoza's sustained courage, determination, and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 290 - May 8, 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 Eugene Estep (ASN: RA-15378435), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company H, 3d. Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. Private First Class Estep distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Parun-ni, Korea on 25 March 1951. On that date, the machine-gun section of Company H, of which Private Estep was a member, was attached to Company G of the regiment to give supporting fire in repulsing a strong and determined enemy counterattack. When the section moved into position, the enemy immediately placed heavy, accurate fire on the machine-gun positions and launched several "banzai" attacks against the section in an effort to knock out all automatic weapons. During the charges, both the gunner and assistant gunner in Private Estep's squad were seriously wounded. Private Estep, an ammunition bearer, immediately manned the gun, single-handedly moved it to a new location, and opened fire from a flanking position which caught the enemy completely by surprise and inflicted heavy casualties on the attacking force, turning their attack into a complete rout. Heedless of his exposed position he remained in position firing until he was mortally wounded by enemy rifle fire. After the attack was repulsed and the position of the company secured, thirty enemy dead and twenty wounded were counted near Private Estep's position as a result of his deadly machine-gun fire.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 687 - November 10, 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 Sergeant Willie N. Estrada (ASN: US-54028427), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving a Tank Commander with 245th Medium Tank Battalion, 45th Infantry Division. Sergeant Estrada distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Bongowol, Korea, on the night of 21 September 1952. On that night a probe by enemy units threatened the security of supporting tank positions on the left flank of a tactically important hill. Sergeant Estrada immediately maneuvered his tank into position and directed accurate machine-gun fire on the attacking foe. In the battle which followed, Sergeant Estrada was painfully wounded, but nevertheless continued to fire his weapon with deadly effectiveness. Swarming forward and surrounding the friendly position, the enemy peppered the tank with grenades, set demolition charges under the tracks, and fired down the gun tubes in an attempt to destroy the vehicle. As dawn approached the following morning the fire subsided, but a short time later the enemy once more converged on the tank. Again the crew directed accurate fire on the enemy before moving toward the base of the hill to rejoin friendly infantry units. While proceeding down the hazardous slope, the tank was hit by rocket fire, which disabled the vehicle and seriously wounded Sergeant Estrada. When one of the crew opened a hatch, the enemy hurled grenades through the opening. Although his arm and shoulder had been shattered and he had received several chest wounds, Sergeant Estrada picked up the missiles as they fell into the tank and threw them out of the vehicle. With rare courage, he continued to stave off his attackers until he succumbed to his wounds.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 1001 - December 18, 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 Herbert J. Etie (ASN: RA-25927670), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Platoon Sergeant in an Infantry Company of the 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Sergeant Etie 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, Sergeant Etie was ordered to deploy his platoon along a strategic ridge to defend it against the fanatically determined hostile troops. Then men had just been positioned when the friendly perimeter was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force closely supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire. Because of the pressure of the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, the platoon began to become disorganized. Observing this, Sergeant Etie moved from man to man across the fire-swept terrain, encouraging them and directing their fire. When the enemy was on the point of overrunning the friendly positions, he gave the order for his men to fall back and he moved to the exposed ridge with an automatic-rifle in order to cover their withdrawal. Firing with deadly accuracy, Sergeant Etie inflicted numerous casualties among the enemy troops, effectively delaying them until his comrades had completed their withdrawal. Finally, with his ammunition expended, his position was overrun by hostile troops and he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions were responsible for saving the lives of many of his comrades.