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Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 19, (January 12, 1951) as amended by General Orders No. 129 (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 Frank G. Van Antwerp (ASN: RA-19305648), United States 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 an Infantry Company of the 5th Regimental Combat Team, attached to the 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Van Antwerp distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 17 September 1950. As an aidman, Sergeant Van Antwerp was advancing with an infantry rifle platoon when intense enemy fire was suddenly encountered, pinning them down in a position devoid of adequate cover or concealment and causing heavy casualties. The heavy volume of enemy fire prevented anyone from rising any appreciable distance from the ground, but Sergeant Van Antwerp managed to crawl along the entire front line administering aid to the wounded. Even though darkness and heavy rain added to his difficulties, he continued to perform his duties in a manner that gave courage and hope to the wounded. When his medical supplies were exhausted, he crawled along the front lines and collected first aid packets, using them until they too were exhausted. New casualties continued to develop during the night due to renewed enemy aggressiveness, and it was physically impossible to remove all wounded to the rear. Despite that fact that he had used all of his medical supplies, he continued to seek out the wounded and assist them as best he could. While he was crawling forward under heavy enemy fire attempting to evacuate a wounded comrade he was struck by enemy fire and mortally wounded.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 624 (August 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 Corporal Richard C. Van Cleave (ASN: RA-18347428), United States 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 Van Cleave distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chonjae-dong, Korea, on 28 May 1951. On that date, Corporal Van Cleave was a member of the lead squad in his unit's assault against a well-entrenched and determined enemy force. Several attempts to advance were made by the lead elements, but all of them were repulsed by the enemy. As darkness approached, Corporal Van Cleave, armed with grenades and a rifle, charged the enemy in the face of intense small-arms and automatic-weapons fire and single-handedly destroyed an enemy machine-gun emplacement, killing the entire crew. At this time, the entire company, inspired by Corporal Van Cleave's actions, rose from their positions and joined in an assault that successfully routed the enemy. Near the summit of the hill just secured, a band of enemy soldiers regrouped to make a final stand. Corporal Van Cleave charged into their devastating fire and, although seriously wounded, closed with the enemy and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat. Completely demoralized by his aggressiveness, the remaining enemy forces fled. Corporal Van Cleave remained in command of his squad throughout the night and, not until the final objective was secured, did he finally collapse from and later die of the many wounds he had received.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 254 - May 19, 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 James T. Van Hove, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Sergeant Van Hove distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Kowang-San, Korea, on 23 November 1951. On that date, the positions held by Sergeant Van Hove's company were subjected to an intense enemy artillery barrage. Observing that the men about him were becoming confused by the heavy shelling, Sergeant Van Hove reorganized them and directed their fire against large numbers of the enemy where were now charging up the slope towards the friendly perimeter. Moving constantly among his men, reorganizing their positions and offering words of encouragement, he discovered that their supply of ammunition was dangerously low. Immediately, he led several men through the heavy fire to a supply point and returned with vitally needed ammunition. Upon reaching the positions held by his squad, Sergeant Van Hove observed several of the enemy attempting to breach the barbed wire before the friendly perimeter. Without hesitation, he seized an automatic rifle from the hands of a fallen comrade and moved forward, firing rapidly. His bold attack killed and wounded many of the enemy and eliminated the threat of a hostile penetration at that point. A short time later, the enemy massed before the perimeter and so, arming himself grenades, Sergeant Van Hove charged toward them, making such effective use of his grenades that six of the enemy were killed and three wounded. Through his inspiring leadership and fighting spirit, the hostile force was repulsed with heavy casualties.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 7 - July 23, 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 Sergeant First Class Chester W. Van Orman (ASN: 0-2212006), 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, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Van Orman distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Taepyon-Ni, Korea, on 16 July 1950. On that date, the position of the 2d platoon, Company C, 19th Infantry Regiment was being overrun by an enemy of superior force. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant First Class Van Orman exposed himself to enemy fire by standing and firing tracer ammunition to direct mortar fire on the enemy. He organized the remaining two platoons of Company C, setting up a perimeter defense and then went to deliver a message to Company A. Finding Company A had withdrawn, Sergeant First Class Van Orman returned to his unit, remaining in the position until every man had withdrawn. He then led the men through mountainous terrain to join friendly forces. His courage and aggressive leadership reflects the highest credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 9 June 1953
Private William A. Vander Voort, Infantry, United States Army, a member of Company C, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy near Taejon-ni, Korea, on 12 August 1950. While participating in the defense of a strategic terrain feature, his company became engaged in heavy fighting, repulsing a series of attacks launched against the positions by a determined enemy. During this action and while repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, Private Vander Voort was wounded. He was placed in a fox hole for protection against enemy fire and to receive medical treatment. Launching a concerted attack on the company positions a short time later, the enemy lobbed a hand grenade into the emplacement occupied by Private Vander Voort and an aidman. As the result of the explosion of the grenade, he lost his life when his body absorbed its full blast. Private Vander Voort's display of courage, devotion to duty, and inspirational conduct reflect the greatest credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Headquarters, 8th United States Army Korea (EUSAK)
General Orders No. 89 - 1 October 1950
Master Sergeant Ralph J. Vangsness, RA6858371, Infantry, United States Army, while a member of Company C, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism against the enemy on 28 July 1950 near Hwanggan, Korea. On this date Company C bore the brunt of a determined enemy attack and the unit was ordered to withdraw through the perimeter of a contiguous company's sector into the battalion reserve. Sergeant Vangsness led a group of men across a river in the initial phase of the withdrawal. By skillful maneuvering he led the men through an area covered by withering hostile fire and had arrived at the crest of a hill a short distance from friendly lines when he was critically wounded. When one of the men in the group attempted to assist him, Sergeant Vangsness, heedless of his own plight and aware that remaining in his precarious position meant almost certain death, ordered the man who had offered to assist him to leave the area immediately and save himself from capture. By his conspicuous courage, selfless regard for the welfare of his comrades and exemplary leadership, Sergeant Vangsness was instrumental in saving the lives of a large number of men who would otherwise have been captured or killed. His heroic actions exemplify the highest ideals of the American soldier. Entered the military service from Pennsylvania.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 703 - September 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 Private First Class Donald C. Vaughn (ASN: RA-14312142), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Private First Class Vaughn distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chupari, Korea, on 8 July 1951. On that date, Private Vaughn was a scout with the lead squad of Company A, which was on a reconnaissance patrol to determine the strength and disposition of the enemy. Upon contacting the enemy, the lead squad immediately assaulted the hostile outpost and succeeded in neutralizing it. As the company moved forward to the base of their primary objective and another squad advanced to accomplish the next phase of the mission, Private Vaughn volunteered to go with them in their assault. As Private Vaughn reached higher ground, he observed that the hitherto hidden enemy platoons were moving out in a flanking movement aimed at encircling the friendly forces. Immediate, He ordered the patrol back and took up an exposed position to cover their withdrawal. Although his position was subjected to a deadly a crossfire from the enemy, Private Vaughn succeeded in pinning down the hostile forces with his intense and accurate rifle fire long enough for his comrades to reach safety before he was hit and mortally wounded.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army
General Orders No. 324 - March 23, 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Wilbert F. Vaughn (ASN: 0-2036086), 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 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Vaughn distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sangpobang, Korea, on 31 July 1952. On that date, Lieutenant Vaughn led a four-man volunteer patrol on a mission to neutralize an enemy marching-gun which was holding up the advance of a friendly platoon assaulting an enemy-held hill. Shortly after the patrol left the line of departure, three of the men were wounded and had to be evacuated. Despite the loss of three of his men, Lieutenant Vaughn advanced toward the emplacement and, reaching an exposed vantage point, threw several grenades at the gun position, forcing the enemy to withdraw to move covered positions. While the remaining man of his patrol held the hostile forces at bay, Lieutenant Vaughn made repeated trips across the fire-swept terrain to secure additional ammunition and a flame thrower. Lieutenant Vaughn then led the platoon in a vicious charge against the hostile troops, neutralizing the hill and permitting the friendly forces to secure the objective. Lieutenant Vaughn continued to hold the position until he was seriously wounded by enemy mortar fire in a devastating barrage.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 37 (April 29, 1953)
Home Town: Puerto Rico
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Miguel A. Vera (US50110351), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Private Vera distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chorwon, Korea, on 21 September 1952. On that date, Private Vera's unit was committed to assault and secure the right sector of "Old Baldy" and, although wounded in an earlier engagement, he voluntarily rejoined elements of the platoon regrouping at the base of the hill to resume the attack. Forging up the bare, rocky slope in skirmisher formation, the troops came within twenty yards of hostile positions when they were subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages and intense cross-fire from automatic weapons and grenades, which forced them to move back. He selflessly remained behind to cover the withdrawal and, maintaining a determined stand, poured crippling fire into enemy emplacements. During this action he lost his life.
*Upgraded to Medal of Honor
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Mele Vojvodich, Jr., Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a pilot with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 5th Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 3 January 1953. On that date Captain Vojvodich volunteered to fly an unarmed RF-86 type aircraft on an extremely hazardous mission of greatest importance to United Nations forces. Captain Vojvodich, exhibiting outstanding personal courage and skill, flew his unarmed aircraft deep into heavily defended enemy territory despite constant attacks from enemy aircraft. On his way to the target complex, he experienced a complete radio failure, and in addition, his drop tanks failed to jettison. Notwithstanding these obstacles, Captain Vojvodich, recognizing the vital importance of his assigned mission, elected to complete the photograph runs on his targets, exposing himself to firing passes from enemy aircraft. In order to insure complete coverage, Captain Vojvodich returned to re-photograph his first target, despite the presence of numerous enemy aircraft in the area. The intelligence data Captain Vojvodich obtained at great personal risk was of immeasurable value to subsequent United Nations operation in Korea.