In God We Trust
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 54 - 29 May 1953
Lieutenant Colonel Albert Crahay, Artillery, Belgian Army, commanding officer of the Belgian United Nations Forces, 29th Independent Infantry Brigade Group, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations near Tong-ri, Korea, from 22 to 25 April 1951. Colonel Crahay's command, assigned the mission of holding a sector in the brigade's front and flank, was viciously attacked and surrounded in one of the initial trusts of the enemy's stupendous spring offensive. Bitter fighting ensued. Upon receiving orders to withdraw on the night of 23 April, Colonel Crahay, realizing that all planned routes of withdrawal were unfeasible, daringly seized upon a momentary lull in the battle and organized, regrouped, and effected a spectacular lateral withdrawal across the Imjin River. After an arduous, circuitous march, Colonel Crahay's command rejoined the brigade the following day and was committed to cover the displacement of two battalions along the enemy-infested main supply route. Colonel Crahay was seriously wounded while directing and coordinating this stubbornly contested action, but his incredible courage under fire and his intrepid actions inspired his officers and men to fight with unwavering persistency, which contributed significantly to stemming the relentless advance of the numerically superior foe. Colonel Crahay's gallant leadership and exemplary performance of duty reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the cherished traditions of the military service.