In God We Trust
Browse: Intro | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 390 - 22 October 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to First Lieutenant (Transportation Corps) Obie D. Calhoun, Jr. (ASN: 0-989520), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 30 August 1952 in the vicinity of Torong-pi, Korea. On that date, Lieutenant Calhoun, flying a Helicopter, effected a most daring rescue when members of a company of the 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, accidentally entered an unmarked mine field while on a training problem, detonating several of them. Lieutenant Calhoun, with complete disregard for personal safety, landed in the exceptionally rugged terrain of the mine field and removed the wounded to an Army Hospital. Because of his daring and prompt action, the lives of some wounded men were saved. Lieutenant Calhoun's outstanding performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 295 - 2 August 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant First Class Roy B. Cantrell (ASN: RA-14317383), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 18 March 1953, in the vicinity of Yong Jong, North Korea. On that date, at approximately 2030 hours, a round of 76-mm.. ammunition exploded aboard a truck loaded with high explosives, resulting in a fierce fire. Sergeant Cantrell, one of the first to reach the scene of the accident, quickly grasped a fire extinguisher and, with complete disregard for personal safety, mounted the truck and began fighting the fire. Despite the imminent danger to his life, from the flames and possible further explosion, he remained on the truck, struggling against the intense heat and smoke, while a comrade drove the vehicle from the ammunition dump. With the help of two comrades, the blaze was finally extinguished and the smoldering shell containers were dispersed to prevent further mishap. His courageous and selfless devotion to duty prevented further damage to the vitally needed ammunition and undoubtedly saved the lives of several men. The heroic actions of Sergeant Cantrell reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 107 - December 14, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private Joe G. Cardenas, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company I, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, near Grafenwohr, Germany, on 14 August, 1951. During a unit exercise under assumed combat conditions, he observed a tank moving at a rapid speed toward one of his comrades in arms who was unaware of the tank's approach. Private Cardenas, without regard for his life, rushed out in front of the onrushing tank to attract the attention of its commander. He then attempted to drag his fellow soldier from the path of the tank. By his quick thinking, gallantry and determination, he succeeded in halting the tank in sufficient time to prevent critical injury to his comrade. The prompt and courageous action taken by Private Cardenas saved the life of his fellow soldier and reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 84 - November 3, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private Lewis A. Carroll, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Battery C, 279th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (Automatic Weapons) Battalion, Alabama National Guard, at Savannah Beach, near Savannah, Georgia, on 12 July 1953. Observing a young girl in distress while she was swimming in the rough water, he unhesitatingly went to her aid to attempt her rescue. There was a strong wind and the water was extremely rough with a strong undertow. He succeeded in keeping the victim above water until a comrade reached the scene and assisted in completing the rescue. Private Carroll became exhausted during his difficult experience and another comrade succeeded in bringing him safely to shore, where he required extensive artificial respiration to restore his breathing. Private Carroll's alert and courageous actions reflect distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing | Standiford Field (ANG) | Kentucky Air National Guard | Louisville, Kentucky | 28 September 1953
On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, T/SGT Walter Carter (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. There is no fire fighting or crash rescue facilities at Standiford Field and T/SGT Carter immediately manned the "155" fire fighting truck of the Air National Guard and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely when T/SGT Carter arrived and despite the imminent possibility of gasoline tank explosion, T/SGT Carter, without benefit of protective clothing, climbed on the burning wing of the aircraft and subdued the blazing wing and fuselage. Such heroic action undoubtedly saved the lives of at least ten severely injured soldiers who were unable to help themselves. Such actions reflect great credit on T/SGT Carter, The Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 18 - February 18, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to First Lieutenant (Armor) Herbert D. Casey, Jr., United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 14th Armored Cavalry, distinguished himself near Hershfeld, Germany, on 7 April 1952. As the battalion was moving into a field position in convoy, and ammunition truck loaded with high explosives, including 90-mm. tank ammunition, caught fire. The driver, unable to extinguish the blaze, abandoned the vehicle and attempted to warn other trucks of the danger. Lieutenant Casey, the convoy commander, arrived at the scene from the head of the column, quickly analyzed the situation, and, ignoring his personal safety and the flying fragments of exploding ammunition, assisted successfully in removing all vehicles to a safe distance from the danger are. His prompt and unhesitating action prevented injury to comrades in the vicinity and saved valuable equipment and cargoes. Lieutenant Casey's disregard for his safety, devotion to duty and courage reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.
Citation not yet found. Corporal Burton C. Caswell, United States Army, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Battery B, 15th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, in Korea.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 225 - May 9, 1952
Citation not yet found. Airman Third Class Forrist D. Caudle, United States Air Force, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
Headquarters, Eighth US Army
General Orders #603 - October 06, 1952
The Soldier's Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with the enemy is awarded to Private First Class Donald E. Christensen, US 56112054, Transportation Corps, United States Army. Private Christensen, a member of Company B, 712th Transportation Railway Operating Battalion, who distinguished himself by heroic achievement in the vicinity of Changyang-ni, Korea. Early on the morning of 6 August 1952, a box car filled with drums of gasoline became derailed and burst into flames, threatening a second derailed car nest to it. Realizing that a conflagration would result if the second car, which also carried petroleum products, were to catch fire, Private Christensen, with three comrades, moved to the scene of the blaze in an effort to rerail the car and move it to a position of safety. Disregarding the danger resulting from the shower of burning gasoline, Private Christensen remained in the area and assisted in replacing the car on the rails and in moving it from danger. The heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private Christensen on this occasion were instrumental in saving vast quantities of valuable government property and reflect great credit on himself and the military service. Entered the Federal service from Montana.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 64 - June 30, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Master Sergeant William M. Clayton, United States Army, for heroism while a member of the 8353d Army Unit, (Arctic Test Branch), near Big Delta, Alaska, on 19 June 1951. During a paradrop of heavy equipment from a cargo aircraft, the extraction system failed to function over the drop zone, delaying the release and presenting the possibility of loss of the valuable equipment by a drop in an inaccessible area several miles from the designated point. Realizing the danger involved to personnel in the cargo compartment should the heavy load break loose, Sergeant Clayton voluntarily crawled over the load, exposed his head and shoulders into the slipstream, retrieved the pilot chute, and made the system ready for a subsequent successful drop. Sergeant Clayton's mental alertness, fortitude, and courageous action in the face of extreme danger reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 17 - March 8, 1954
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant Richard N. Cleaver (ASN: RA-12370425), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company D 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on 21 August 1953. While participating in a parachute drop, Sergeant Cleaver, in the act of descending, glanced upward and observed a fellow parachutist falling through his suspension lines with a collapsed parachute. With great presence of mind and no thought of his personal safety, Sergeant Cleaver grabbed the top of the collapsed parachute and wrapped the suspension lines around his feet. The two men thus rode to the ground supported by the parachute of Sergeant Cleaver. The paratrooper with the collapsed parachute did not pull his emergency cord because of the proximity of himself to his rescuer. By his courageous and heroic action in this emergency and at the risk of his life, Sergeant Cleaver prevented serious injury or possibly death to his fellow soldier. Sergeant Cleaver's courageous action reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders 295 - 2 August 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Sergeant First Class Robert Coates (ASN: ER-35388543), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 18 March 1953, in the vicinity of Yong Jong, North Korea. On that date, at approximately 2030 hours, a detail of men, working in an ammunition dump, were loading 76-mm. ammunition aboard a truck. Suddenly a round exploded, setting the ammunition containers on the partially loaded truck ablaze. Sergeant Coates, one of the first to answer the alarm, helped to direct another truck from the perilous area, then realizing the imminent danger of further explosions and disregarding his personal safety, dashed through the flames and drove the blazing vehicle from the endangered ammunition dump. Moving to the rear of the truck, he began assisting two comrades in extinguishing the flames and dispersing the hot and smoking shell containers. His accurate estimate of the situation, quick actions and selfless devotion to duty prevented further damage to the vitally needed ammunition and undoubtedly saved several men from injury or possible death. The heroic actions of Sergeant Coates reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 469 - October 4, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Technical Sergeant Dean M. Cole, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 21 May 1951 while serving as Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Armament Section, 98th Bombardment Wing (M), (ADVON). At 1735 hours, he and the Wing Armament Officer were called to a parked B-29 aircraft which was loaded with forty 500 pound bombs fuzzed with highly sensitive variable time delay fuzzes. During the fuzzing operation, an aircrew member has inadvertently broken a fuse, spinning the generator propeller. Realizing the danger to personnel and invaluable equipment, Sergeant Cole and the officer immediately cleared the area and entered the bomb bay. Fully aware of the possibility of immediate death, they voluntarily risked their lives to promptly defuze the bomb. The exceptional courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Cole were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 5th Air Force
General Orders No. 212 - 28 February 1951
Synopsis only: Technical Sergeant Robert W. Conger (AFSN: AF-6937766), United States Air Force, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States in Korea, on 5 January 1951.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 89 - October 03, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Colonel (Chaplain) John K. Connelly, United States Army, for heroism while a member of the 5th Infantry Division at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, on 14 July 1952. Upon learning that an apparently deranged soldier had climbed to a small platform on the side of a water tower over 100 feet from the ground and was intent upon leaping to his death, Chaplain Connelly voluntarily climbed a narrow ladder to a position beside the soldier. While realizing that the mental condition of the soldier was such that he might offer resistance and that the slightest struggle on the narrow platform would result in both falling to their death, Chaplain Connelly spent almost one hour dissuading the soldier from his suicidal intent and persuading him to descend. During the descent on the narrow, vertical ladder, he preceded the soldier by only three rungs in order to block, by the use of his body, any last-minute jump. Chaplain Connelly's utter disregard for safety and his outstanding courage reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 16 - March 20, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Captain (Infantry) Robert W. Cook, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. On 23 October 1950, a civilian lineman working on a power line suffered severe shock and burns from contact with a live wire. Captain Cook, seeing the man suspended by his safety belt and in great pain secured a ladder and a fire extinguisher, climbed the pole and, at great risk to himself from possible electric shock or fall from the ladder, succeeded in partially extinguishing the flames. The initiative and courage displayed by Captain Cook reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 271 - June 4, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Technical Sergeant Rex L. Cooke, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life as a Lineman, 618th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, during Typhoon Ruth, on 14 October 1951 and 15 October 1951. During the height of the typhoon, under extremely adverse conditions, Sergeant Cooke, with complete disregard for personal safety, ascended power poles and cut free the branch power lines leading to various buildings as they became demolished by the typhoon. By his courageous actions, Sergeant Cooke reduced the possibility of a greater danger of exposed electrical wires and the threat of fire. Further, Sergeant Cooke's heroic actions enabled the emergency crew to continue work without fear of hazardous conditions. Through his immediate action in an emergency situation, and his selfless courage in risking his life to protect others, Sergeant Cooke reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 61 - August 18, 1954
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Warrant Officer (Junior Grade) Milton E. Cunningham, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters, 724th Field Artillery Battalion, 273d Infantry Regiment, 68th Infantry Division, at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on 17 June 1954. While conducting the firing of hand grenades from M-1 rifles equipped with adapters, Mr. Cunningham observed a soldier move forward of within his firing bay, the movement causing the soldier's rifle to strike the embankment. The armed grenade dislodged itself from the adapter and fell back into the bay beside the soldier. Mr. Cunningham quickly analyzed the situation, ran into the bay, scooped up the live grenade, and hurled it over the embankment into the impact area. His prompt and unhesitating action saved the life of soldiers in the immediate. Mr. Cunningham's disregard for own personal safety, his devotion to duty, and his courage reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 3 - January 20, 1954
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Major (Chaplain) Edward A. Curran, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Camp Drake, Honshu, Japan, on 8 September 1953. Called to the scene of an attempted suicide, Chaplain Curran discovered that an enlisted man had taken position atop a 70-foot smokestack, stating his intention of jumping to his death. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his safety Chaplain Curran climbed to the peak of the smokestack to a position directly under that of the enlisted man. Clinging to a steel upright for support as the soldier tried to dislodge him, Chaplain Curran spent 50 minutes in a successful effort to persuade him to descend the ladder to safety. The heroic service rendered by Chaplain Curran reflects credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing | Standiford Field (ANG) | Kentucky Air National Guard | Louisville, Kentucky | 28 September 1953
On 28 September 1953, at Standiford Field, Louisville, Kentucky, T/SGT Howard A. Curtis (then in a civilian Air Technician capacity as a member of the Alert Crew of the 123rd Fighter Bomber Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard) distinguished himself as follows: At 1617 hours, this date, a civilian resort airline aircraft chartered to the Army, carrying a total of forty-one (41) soldiers and crewmen, most of whom were returning Korean veterans, crashed while landing. T/SGT Curtis immediately manned the Air National Guard crash ambulance and rushed to the scene of the crash. The aircraft was burning severely upon his arrival, but despite the imminent possibility of explosion, T/SGT Curtis, without benefit of protective clothing, proceeded to assist in the rescue of injured and dying passengers. His quick action and disregard for personal safety were responsible for the saving of many lives. T/SGT Curtis' courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, The Air National Guard, and t he United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 421 - October 04, 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Weston W. Cuta (ASN: 0-1919167), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, near Karagoo, Korea. On 26 August 1952, Lieutenant Cuta was moving along a Main Supply Route when he approached a point where traffic was held up due to an ammunition trailer which had caught fire. Lieutenant Cuta immediately moved his truck to a position from which his truck winch could be used, and, accompanied by another man, carried a cable up to the burning ammunition trailer. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Cuta approached the exploding ammunition, attached the cable to the trailer and returned to his own truck. As tension increased on the cable in pulling the burning trailer, the cable came loose. Lieutenant Cuta again exposed himself to the exploding ammunition as he moved up to the trailer and re-attached the cable. This time the cable held and the burning trailer was successfully pulled from the road, eliminating the danger to personnel and making traffic on the Main Supply Route again possible. The heroism displayed by Lieutenant Cuta reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.