In God We Trust
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 84 - 3 November 1953
Lieutenant General Chung Il Kwon, Republic of Korea Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in action against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding General, Second Republic of Korea Infantry Division, on 16 October 1952. In an assault on "Sniper's Ridge," the division secured its important objective after 8 days of severe fighting. Despite heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, General Chung visited front-line units with complete disregard for his safety, supervising the redeployment of troops and establishment of adequate and effective defense measures. He quickly initiated plans for the rapid evacuation of the wounded from forward aid stations and displayed a keen and sympathetic interest in the welfare of his men and the security of their newly won position. As the result of establishing well-organized and strong defense positions, the third determined hostile counter-attack supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire against a smaller defensive force commanded by General Chung failed and the enemy was forced to withdraw. With outstanding professional knowledge, inspirational leadership, and sound tactical judgment, he directed the activities of unit commanders, which enabled them to immediately exploit opportunities afforded by the terrain and tactical situation. His patience, determination, ingenuity, and sincere concern for the welfare of his troops inspired all personnel and materially contributed to the successful operations against a numerically superior enemy. General Chung's display of courage and determination and his consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
[KWE Note: Lieutenant General Chung also received two Legion of Merit awards during the Korean War.]
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 49 - 9 June 1953
Second Lieutenant Chung Nak Koo, Republic of Korea Army, a member of the 11th Company, 28th Regiment, 9th Republic of Korea Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 13 October 1952. His platoon was ordered to retake the outpost ridge line on Hill 395. The enemy was well-entrenched and capable of directing accurate and devastating artillery, mortar, and automatic-weapons fire. When the platoon moved out to attack, it was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Lieutenant Chung continued forward and three men, so inspired by his courage, followed him. Despite increasing volume of hostile fire, he continued his advance to the machine-gun bunker, hurled hand grenades into the position, and silenced the gun. During this action, Lieutenant Chung lost his life. Members of the platoon, so inspired by his courage, immediately assaulted the position, successfully accomplished the mission of the unit, and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. The extraordinary heroism and complete selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Chung reflect great credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 37- 29 April 1953
Major General Kim Chong O, 9th Republic of Korea Army Infantry Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy at Hill 395 and vicinity, Chorwon, Korea, from 6 to 15 October 1952. He made ample plans and preparations for an attack on Hill 395 and under his courageous and skillful leadership his division successfully repulsed the onslaughts of two hostile infantry divisions with supporting elements and decisively defeated them. With disregard for his personal safety, he proceeded over routes subjected to heavy artillery shelling, visiting forward positions, seeking the most advantageous observation posts, and personally commanding and controlling his troops. Despite exposure to intense enemy fire and while under constant enemy observation, he observed effects of artillery preparations, kept his subordinate commanders and staff informed on the situation, and issued instructions based upon personal observations upon which to determine effective troop dispositions and fire support and was an inspiration to members of his command. General Kim's exemplary leadership and indomitable courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the highest credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 35 - 13 May 1954
Master Sergeant Kim Man Soul, Infantry, Republic of Korea Army, a member of the 2d Platoon, 6th Company, 11th Regiment, 1st Republic of Korea Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in Korea on 15 and 16 July 1953. In command of the 2d Platoon committed to defend strategic "Outpost Betty" near the main line of resistance, his platoon was viciously attacked and came under intense artillery and mortar fire from a battalion-sized enemy force. Instantly recognizing the overwhelming odds, Sergeant Kim led his men into action, directing artillery fire on enemy positions. Despite the heavy artillery fire, hostile troops continued to advance and crept to a critical sector in the outpost's defense and engaged in close combat. Moving among his men shouting encouraging, decisive commands, he poured accurate rifle fire into the enemy, killing several; then, leaving the comparative safety of his position, he showered the enemy with grenades, killing six others and dispersing the remainder. Later, when the determined, reorganized foe repeatedly attacked throughout the night, coming within close range of entrenched positions, Sergeant Kim, with unwavering courage and at great risk of his life, met each onslaught in hand-to-hand combat, inflicting heavy losses and eventually thwarting the enemy's attempt to overrun the position. Sergeant Kim's inspirational leadership, sustained devotion to duty, and courageous actions reflect great credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 72 - 23 September 1953
Sergeant Kim Man Su, Republic of Korea Army, a member of 9th Company, 29th Regiment, 9th Republic of Korea Army Division, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea, on 12 October 1952. While participating in a counterattack on strongly held enemy positions, his unit was pinned down by intense hostile artillery and automatic-weapons fire from commanding positions located on Hill 395. Despite the hail of enemy fire, Sergeant Kim voluntarily moved forward. Armed with a supply of grenades and his automatic weapon, he charged up the hill to the machine-gun bunker and successfully silenced the weapons. Although seriously wounded during this action, he immediately hurled his last hand grenade into an enemy position, eliminating additional hostile soldiers. He continuously shouted words of encouragement to his men, urging them forward to the successful attainment of their assigned mission. The extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty exhibited by Sergeant Kim reflect great credit on himself and the Republic of Korea Army.