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Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 528 - November 13, 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 Rollind W. Dailey, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, at Far East Air Material Command, Area "B", Fuchu, Japan, on 28 September 1951. He voluntarily risked his life while supervising and fighting a fire started by an explosion in a 120-mm. gun park containing live ammunition, equipped with proximity and mechanical fuses. Upon arriving at the gun park all personnel were ordered out of the area because of additional exploding shells. Disregarding personal safety, Sergeant Dailey advanced with a hose-stream into the hazardous area extinguishing the fire as he progressed. He removed the top from the smoldering ammunition rack containing the fused 120-mm. shells and applied additional water, completely extinguishing the fire. The heroism shown by Sergeant Dailey reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, EUSAK
General Orders No. 144 - 16 March 1951
Second Lieutenant William A. Dalton, 022528498, (then Master Sergeant), Ordnance Corps, United States Army. Lieutenant Dalton, a member of 675th Ordnance Battalion, is cited for heroic action near Kunchon, Korea on 4 and 5 October 1950. On 4 October 1950, Lieutenant Dalton learned that a railway tunnel was blocked by burning and exploding ammunition. Realizing the importance of the tunnel to our advancing forces, Lieutenant Dalton proceeded immediately to the site. Intense heat and smoke, and danger from exploding ammunition made entrance to the tunnel extremely hazardous but Lieutenant Dalton and three companions, without regard to their own safety, entered the north end of the tunnel and cleared live ammunition to the edge of the fire. The following day, Lieutenant Dalton and his companions entered the south end of the tunnel and completely cleared it of all hazardous ammunition, enabling railway wrecking crews to work in the tunnel in comparative safety. The heroic action of Lieutenant Dalton reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the federal service from New Jersey. (This award supersedes the award to this officer of the Bronze Star Medal for service on the same award to this officer of the Bronze Star Medal for service on the same date, as published in Section II, General Orders Number 94, this headquarters, 24 February 1951, and so much thereof as pertains to that award is hereby revoked).
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 93 - March 5, 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 Private First Class Phillip F. Darrh (ASN: RA-12371028), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action in Korea. During the night of 4 January 1952 near Manuch'on, Korea, the Command Post tent of Company H, 2d Battalion, which was also used as sleeping quarters, caught fire and the flames quickly spread throughout the tent. Seeing the fire, Private Darrh, on duty as fire guard, immediately tried to extinguish the blaze but because of its advanced stage, he was unable to stop it. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he fearlessly entered the tent which was then a mass of flames and finding a fellow soldier still asleep, he pulled the sleeping bag containing his comrade from the blazing tent and out into safety. Private Darrh's heroic action was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow soldier, and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Department of the Army
General Orders No. 36 - 6 June 1969
Sergeant First Class Everard A. Davis, (then Corporal), United States Army, who distinguished hiself by heroism at Kimpo Air Base, Korea, while a member of Company A, 811th Engineer Aviation Battalion, on 16 October 1950. While engaged in construction work at the end of the main runway Sergeant Davis saw a jet aircraft crash near where he was working. Accompanied b y an officer and two other men he ran to the plane which had landed upside down and saw that the canopy was embedded in the ground and that the pilot could not escape. Fully aware that the plane might catch fire and explode, Sergeant Davis, with complete disregard for his own safety, successfully helped to clear the earth away and removed the pilot. By his courageous action at the risk of his life, Sergeant Davis brought great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 525 - November 10, 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 Staff Sergeant Howard L. Davis, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 14 October 1951 by voluntarily risking his life in removing injured air crew personnel from a crashed B-29 aircraft of the 98th Bombardment Wing (M) (ADVON). Sergeant Davis was one of the first to arrive on the scene. Without regard for his own safety, Sergeant Davis entered the fuselage of the burning aircraft to assist in the removal of the injured crew members. After removal of those crew members who could readily be found, Sergeant Davis directed hoisting operations of a large section of the demolished aircraft, and disregarding the danger from falling debris reentered the aircraft to aid in the removal of the last two air crew members. Sergeant Davis though fully aware of the danger from burning high octane gasoline, lubricating oil and oxygen, voluntarily risked his life in attempting to save these men. The high degree of heroism displayed by Sergeant Davis was in the highest tradition of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 210 - June 22, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Private First Class Charles E. Deal (ASN: RA-16262110), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 3 May 1951, near Hoengsong, Korea. On that date he was a mechanic assigned to the 23d Infantry Regiment. At approximately 2200 hours, a loud explosion in the motor pool area was heard, and he ran directly to the motor pool. When he reached the area, Private Deal saw a comrade running around in circles, his clothing ablaze. The injured man ran behind some trucks, and Private Deal immediately caught the man, tripped him, and both men fell to the ground. Immediately Private Deal, disregarding his personal safety, removed his jacket and started smothering the flames. The heroism of Private Deal in courageously saving the life of a comrade reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.
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 Sergeant [then Corporal] Frank DeBoer, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of 77th Special Forces Group (Airborne), near Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 23 March 1953. While on an operational training parachute jump in the Pisgah National forest, he observed a comrade had water-landed in a river with full equipment and inflated parachute and was experiencing considerable difficulty because of the weight of his equipment and the force of the water. Sergeant DeBoer, landing in a tree on the bank of the stream, removed his equipment and parachute and plunged into the icy water, and although a poor swimmer, went to the aid of his comrade. He successfully rescued the soldier and brought him safely to shore. Sergeant DeBoer's prompt and courageous action undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade and reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 341 - 26 September 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 Captain (Armor) Thomas R. Dent (ASN: 0-1560115), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as Commanding Officer of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action at Pammol, North Korea on the night of 28-29 July 1952. At about 2230 hours, 28 July 1952, five soldiers, occupants of a 2½ ton truck, had mistakenly taken a ford through the Yong-pyong River which was closed to vehicular traffic due to flood conditions. Answering an emergency alert call, Captain Dent organized a crew of one other officer and four enlisted men, summoned a tank and a wrecker truck, procured chains, ropes and whatever other makeshift devices were available and began a rescue operation which was to last for six hours. With complete disregard for personal safety, Captain Dent organized and led a human chain of four men into the swift current in an attempt to reach the stranded truck. Several attempts were made, but all were unsuccessful. A slip during any of these attempts would have meant certain drowning. Contact was finally made but when an attempt was made to winch the truck to safety, the cable snapped. The truck was finally secured and towed to safety at 0430 hours after the level of the water had risen within one foot of the top of the truck. His prompt and determined action in the face of great danger saved the lives of five soldiers. The heroic actions of Captain Dent reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 26 - April 2, 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 Private Eugene P. Derby, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company A, 981st Engineer Construction Battalion, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 2 September 1953. Private Derby was aboard an assault boat with other members of the company when the boat overturned, causing panic among all the passengers. With total disregard for his personal safety and realizing the danger, he swam to the aid of one of the passengers and placed him on the overturned boat, where he was picked up later by a rescue boat. He then aided in the rescue work until all bodies were recovered. Private Derby's great presence of mind and indomitable courage reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 558 - November 3, 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 (Field Artillery) Robert Edward Dingeman (ASN: 0-27380), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Battery B, 8th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. On 21 September 1951, Captain Dingeman's battery was supporting a task force advance in the vicinity of Mongsa, Korea. When a fire suddenly started in a pile of ammunition, he ordered all his men from the area and, disregarding the hot projectiles, grasped a poncho and smothered the blaze. Although the fire had caught on to the covering camouflage net, endangering other ammunition, he refused to leave the area and grasped the flaming cloth with his bare hands, pulling it from the area, to prevent further loss of artillery rounds. Before allowing his men to resume action, he personally carried all the smoking projectiles to a nearby hole where they were buried. Captain Dingeman's calm courage and steadfast devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself, his unit and the Armed Forces.
Headquarters, United States Air Force
Synopsis only: First Lieutenant Donald Calvin Dishon (AFSN: 0-841173), United States Air Force, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 53 - July 9, 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 Edward L. Donahue, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while a member of the Medical Detachment, 6941 Army Service Unit, Camp San Luis Obispo, California, on 1 November 1952. While he and friends were gathering abalones among the rocks jutting out from the beach into the ocean, a high wave came in unexpectedly, forcing them to seek a position of relative safety on top of the rocks to avoid being carried out to sea. He observed that one companion had been swept off the high rocks by the large swell and carried approximately 150 feet out into the treacherous waters. Realizing that his companion was unable to swim and in grave danger of drowning, without regard for his personal safety, Mr. Donahue unhesitatingly entered the turbulent surf and fought his was against great odds to effect the rescue of his distressed friend. Although his progress was greatly impeded by his heavy shoes and clothing, after determined effort he reached the victim and finally succeeded in bringing her to a place of safety on the beach. Mr. Donahue's quick thinking and his prompt and courageous action reflect great credit on himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 43 - June 24, 1955
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 (Field Artillery), [then Second Lieutenant] Donald L. Donner, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 538th Field Artillery Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado, on 11 August 1954. Lieutenant Donner extinguished a fire in an M-48 tank at a fueling point near the battalion motor shop where a fire had started while a tank was being refueled. All efforts to put out the blaze had failed and all personnel, including the crew of the tank, had retreated to a safer distance, fearing an explosion. At this time Lieutenant Donner arrived with a CO2 fire extinguisher, and, in the face of previous unsuccessful efforts to extinguish the blaze, and the possibility of an explosion, Lieutenant Donner, with total disregard for his life and personal safety, approached the fire and quickly put it out. This act saved the Government thousands of dollars in loss of equipment and averted possible injury to personnel in the vicinity, reflecting credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, EUSAK
General Orders No. 144 - 16 March 1951
Major Jesse F. Donovan, 01550577, (then Captain), Ordnance Corps, United States Army. Major Donovan, a member of Headquarters Eighth United States Army Korea, is cited for heroic action near Kunchon, Korea on 4 and 5 October 1950. On 4 October 1950, Major Donovan, learning that a railway tunnel was blocked by burning and exploding ammunition, and realizing the importance of the tunnel to our advancing forces, proceeded immediately to the site. Intense heat and smoke, and danger from exploding ammunition made entrance to the tunnel extremely hazardous but Major Donovan and three companions, without regard to their own safety, entered the north end of the tunnel and cleared live ammunition to the edge of the fire. The following day, Major Donovan and his companions entered the south end of the tunnel and completely cleared it of all hazardous ammunition, enabling railway wrecking crews to work in the tunnel in comparative safety. The heroic action of Major Donovan reflects great credit on himself and the military service. Entered the federal service from New York. (This award supersedes the award to this officer of the Bronze Star Medal for service on the same date, as published in Section II, General Orders Number 94, this headquarters, 24 February 1951, and so much thereof as pertains to that award is hereby revoked).
Citation not found. Colonel (Infantry) Jesse Cyrus Drain, Jr., 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 as Commanding Officer, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Korea, in 1953.
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 551 - November 26, 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 Second Lieutenant Raymond A. Drake, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on the morning of 19 October 1951 at Oshima Island, Japan. On that date, Lieutenant Drake witnessed a Japanese being washed overboard from a low pier jutting into the ocean. Without regard for personal safety, Lieutenant Drake jumped fully clad into the chilly water and grasped hold of the drowning man. Although the current swept him further out into the ocean, Lieutenant Drake held on to the man until a rowboat was dispatched to rescue both of them. Lieutenant Drake's courage, and quick-thinking prevented the death of a Japanese national, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 73 - August 9, 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 Master Sergeant Douglas Drew, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Company H, Airborne Battalion, 1st Student Brigade, on 16 April 1951 at Fort Benning, Georgia. While taking part in a demonstration before the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference No. 8, he voluntarily exposed himself to grave danger in securing the extraction system for the dropping of a 105-mm howitzer and ¼-ton truck by parachute from an aircraft in flight. Realizing fully the risk involved and the great danger to all personnel of the aircraft, Sergeant Drew moved behind the loaded equipment, removed the reserve parachute, and lay prone on the floor of the ship with head and shoulders outside the plane in the slipstream to recover and reposition the equipment, thus removing a very serious threat to the stability and safety of the aircraft. Had the heavy load broken free while he was behind it, he would have been killed instantly. When the system failed to function the second time, Sergeant Drew repeated the procedure. Sergeant Drew's prompt and heroic action in the face of extreme danger during this emergency reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 341 - 26 September 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 Sergeant Ronald G. Duffy (ASN: RA-13355352), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Tank Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, in action at Pammol, North Korea on the night of 28 - 29 July 1952. At about 2230 hours, 28 July 1952, five soldiers, occupants of a 2½ ton truck, had mistakenly taken a ford through the Yong-pyong River which was closed to vehicular traffic due to flood conditions. When an emergency call was sounded for a tank with a volunteer crew, Sergeant Duffy was one of the first to volunteer. Sergeant Duffy, along with four others, volunteered to form a human chain in an effort to reach the truck with the cable. After several unsuccessful attempts, during which a slip would have meant certain drowning, the contact was finally made. The first attempt to pull the truck out failed when the cable broke, so two more cables and a rope had to be carried to the truck before it was pulled to safety. His prompt and determined actions in the face of great danger saved the lives of five soldiers and possible loss of a truck. The heroic acts of Sergeant Duffy reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 699 - November 10, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Corporal Odie Duke, Jr. (ASN: RA-15424171), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company B, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 28 August 1951 in the vicinity of P'yongch'on, Korea. On this date his platoon was in the process of raising a bridge which was in danger of being washed away by the rapidly rising water of the Soyang River. A prime mover began to ford the river from the far shore down stream from the bridge. As the driver of the vehicle proceeded across the swollen river, his vehicle sank in the channel within one foot of toe turret. The driver was washed out of the cab, but managed to grab the vertical part of the windshield frame. As the driver was unable to swim, he immediately went into a panic. Corporal Duke without hesitation and disregarding the swift current, dove into the water and swam to the prime mover. Reaching the vehicle he caught the nearly exhausted driver and succeeded in pulling him out of the raging water safely to shore. Corporal Duke's courageous achievement under such conditions reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
Department of the Army
General Orders No. 89 - October 3, 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 Private Nathaniel Dukes, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 10 July 1952. While participating in a parachute drop, under assumed combat conditions, he noticed a falling fellow soldier whose parachute had collapsed. With complete disregard for his safety and no thought of danger involved, he grasped the suspension lines of the collapsed parachute as his falling comrade passed and clung to it tenaciously. The reserve parachute worn by the falling parachutist also failed to open. The two men then rode to earth supported by the parachute worn by Private Dukes. Through quick thinking and fast action on the part of Private Dukes, his falling comrade was saved from almost certain death. The heroism of Private Dukes reflects distinct credit on himself and the military service.
Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 366 - 9 October 1952
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier's Medal (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Robert Batten Dunham (ASN: 0-28721), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Service Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 30 August 1952. On that date, a group of men, on a march in the vicinity of Kumgong-ni, North Korea, wandered into a mine field and sustained many casualties. Captain Dunham, upon hearing of this, immediately organized a rescue party, and without heed of the personal dangers involved, led them to the scene of the accident. Upon arriving there, he took charge of the situation and directed the evacuation of the seriously wounded. Captain Dunham, upon loading the last stretcher party down the trail, was instantly killed when another mine was detonated. His aggressive spirit, devotion to duty, and willingness to sacrifice himself to provide for his men reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.