In God We Trust
All persons below were Korean War veterans.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Chipo-ri, Korea, 2 June 1951. Entered service at: Bronx, N.Y. Born: 24 July 1929, East Gulf, W. Va. G.O. No.: 30, 19 March 1952. Citation: Sgt. Charlton, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon was attacking heavily defended hostile positions on commanding ground when the leader was wounded and evacuated. Sgt. Charlton assumed command, rallied the men, and spearheaded the assault against the hill. Personally eliminating 2 hostile positions and killing 6 of the enemy with his rifle fire and grenades, he continued up the slope until the unit suffered heavy casualties and became pinned down. Regrouping the men he led them forward only to be again hurled back by a shower of grenades. Despite a severe chest wound, Sgt. Charlton refused medical attention and led a third daring charge which carried to the crest of the ridge. Observing that the remaining emplacement which had retarded the advance was situated on the reverse slope, he charged it alone, was again hit by a grenade but raked the position with a devastating fire which eliminated it and routed the defenders. The wounds received during his daring exploits resulted in his death but his indomitable courage, superb leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself the infantry, and the military service.
"Matthew Leonard was born in Alabama in 1929. He enlisted in the army in Birmingham about 1949 and served in Korea and Vietnam. He was killed in action on February 28, 1967. Sergeant Leonard organized the defense of his Machine gun division, 25th Infantry, in Korea in February 1951. (Center for Military History) PFC Johnson's (Army) platoon, protected the wounded, and charged the enemy. Although injured, he continued to fight until he died. For this he received the Medal of Honor. Initially interred in Birmingham's Shadow Lawn Cemetery, his remains were moved to Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in 2000 (Section 14, Grave 27)." [Source: www.cem.va.gov]
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 24th Company M, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Haman, Korea, 6 August 1950. Entered service at: Bronx, N.Y. Birth: New York, N.Y. G.O. No.: 63, 2 August 1951. Citation: Pfc. Thompson, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While his platoon was reorganizing under cover of darkness, fanatical enemy forces in overwhelming strength launched a surprise attack on the unit. Pfc. Thompson set up his machine gun in the path of the onslaught and swept the enemy with withering fire, pinning them down momentarily thus permitting the remainder of his platoon to withdraw to a more tenable position. Although hit repeatedly by grenade fragments and small-arms fire, he resisted all efforts of his comrades to induce him to withdraw, steadfastly remained at his machine gun and continued to deliver deadly, accurate fire until mortally wounded by an enemy grenade. Pfc. Thompson's dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of military service.
2nd Ranger Company.
He rose from private to lieutenant general, fighting in three wars during his nearly 40-year Army career. Becton was awarded the Silver Star for leading his platoon in an attack on Hill 201 near the Naktong River. He joined the Army as a private in 1944, retiring as a lieutenant general in 1983. "On the morning of September 17th, Lt. Becton was ordered to lead his platoon in an attack against enemy positions near the Naktong River on Hill 201. Under intense mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms fire, Becton led his men in a spirited charge up the hill. Despite being hit by enemy fire, Lt. Becton ignored the pain and encouraged his men onward. His platoon plowed ahead, killing and wounding many enemy troops, and forcing them to withdraw. The other platoons from Company L assigned to back up Lt. Becton's charge had been pinned down by heavy fire coming from a nearby ridge, and were unable to move forward. Despite being cut off from the remainder of his company, Becton urged his men forward, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Upon reaching a position with favorable terrain, he stopped and skillfully deployed his troops to form a defensive perimeter. For the next ten hours, Becton and his men defended their position, repelling several enemy attempts to overrun their small force. Becton was wounded three additional times during the fight, but refused to give in and stubbornly held his ground. That night, under the cover of darkness, Becton was able to lead his men back to the main elements of his battalion. Though the U.N. forces were unable to break out from the Pusan Perimeter that day, Becton's initiative and skillful leadership prevented the North Koreans from making a counterattack, allowing the 3rd Battalion to occupy an advantageous position from which they would later drive the enemy from the entire area. Julius Becton would receive the Silver Star for his heroism on that day and after a short time in the hospital recovering from his wounds, he rejoined his regiment, becoming Executive Officer for Company I." [Source: TogetherWeServed]
On July 20, 1950, Army Capt. Charles Bussey, the commander of the all-black 77th Engineer Co., was awarded the Silver Star for his action at the battle of Yechon.
Pfc. (Later Corporal) Clark was serving as an automatic rifleman in Company H, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines when he was awarded a Silvar Star for covering the evacuation of two wounded Marines in his combat patrol He was from Louisiana. His citation reads:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class "A" "C" Clark (MCSN: 1221465), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 December 1952. When the combat patrol was subjected to intense enemy fire and two of his comrades were seriously wounded, Private First Class Clark fearlessly advanced forward of the casualties and brought devastating fire to bear upon the enemy, thereby enabling several other Marines to remove the wounded men to safety. Continuing his attack, he silenced one hostile machine gun with the fire of his automatic rifle and killed three enemy soldiers. Although twice wounded during the action, and suffering extreme pain, he refused evacuation and assisted in evacuating two other casualties to the main line of resistance. By his outstanding courage, marked fortitude and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Clark served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Born: Minden, Louisiana. Home Town: Minden, Louisiana.
1st Lieutenant Cliette received his Silver Star for action while serving with the 2nd Ranger Company in Korea. Read about Cliette in an article written by Amanda Dolasinski for the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), published February 21, 2020.
2nd Ranger Company.
2nd Ranger Company - for action on Hill 581.
Silver Star recipient for actions near Masan on September 14-15, 1950. (See also Firsts section.)
2nd Ranger Company.
9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. See also the KWE's Silver Star citation page.
2nd Ranger Company
James McEachin received his Silver Star in 2005. "McEachin displayed extraordinary bravery after his patrol was ambushed while on a mission to rescue the body of a fallen comrade, captured and killed the night before. With fire coming from all directions, the Americans fell one by one. Shot through the thigh, McEachin returned fire while his commander, First Lt. Henry A. Schenk, a 29-year-old white officer who had emigrated from Austria at the age of 6, directed their desperate defense. Determined to assist Schenk, McEachin crawled toward the lieutenant's position before taking a second shot to the gut, as two more men were felled by enemy fire. Schenk was then hit and mortally wounded. Seconds later another blast hit McEachin, rendering him unconscious. McEachin awoke, lying face up in a nearby creek, the battlefield silent. The severity of his injuries quickly became apparent; he could barely move. Somehow he mustered strength and began crawling toward a patch of reeds. Suddenly the shadow of a man came toward him, a blond American soldier in Army fatigues who had taken refuge in the reeds during the attack. The men had never met, let alone spoken, but the soldier quickly began attending to McEachin's wounds, using his own T-shirt to craft a makeshift tourniquet. With McEachin half-conscious and unable to walk, the soldier carried him across the countryside and through streams toward safety while evading enemy troops. Reaching a forward aid station, McEachin was placed on a litter and prepped for evacuation. During their goodbyes, McEachin told the man who had saved his life: "I never got your name." The soldier replied: "I never got yours either. Let's just say we're brothers under the skin." McEachin, who never learned the man's identity, received a Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions and later became an award-winning actor. [All credit goes to this source: "Brothers in Arms", Arkansas Democrat Gazette, December 4, 2016, authored by Jeff Thatcher] See also, Black-American Males of Note section.
Mercer was drafted into the Army on January 7, 1952, and arrived at Inchon, Korea in late February 1953. The 45th Division gave him the following citation for a Silver Star on October 21, 1953. "Sergeant Isaac Mercer, then Corporal, Infantry, United States Army. Sergeant Mercer, a member of an infantry company, is cited for heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Pau-Gol, Korea. On July 16, 1953, Sergeant Mercer's unit was defending an outpost position during an intense enemy mortar and artillery barrage when hostile troops infiltrated into the trenches. Without hesitation, Sergeant Mercer left his position to engage in hand-to-hand fighting with the assailants. His heroic performance demonstrated determination and unwavering courage in the face of great peril and was instrumental in saving the lives of several of his comrades. Sergeant Mercer's outstanding act of heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the federal service from Illinois."
2nd Ranger Company. Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. He was killed in action on June 11, 1951. He was born in Ohio in 1930, a son of James Petteress Sr. and Annie Mae Johnson Petteress (1904-1982). His brother was Eugene Petteress (1934-2020). He is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery, Hamilton County, Ohio.
2nd Ranger Company.
Posey enlisted at the age of 15 and in 1950 volunteered for the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company, an all-black unit. The 2nd Ranger was inactivated on August 1, 1951, but not before participating in some of the bloodiest battles in the Korean War. Posey received a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and seven Purple Hearts. He retired from the Army in 1969 and in 2002 was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame.
2nd Ranger Company for action on Hill 581.
2nd Ranger Company for action on Hill 581. "Long-time Oregon community leader, actor, singer and golf enthusiast, George Rankins passed away August 19, at his home in Lincoln City, Oregon, of age related causes. George was 86. Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1926, George grew up in Newark, NJ and Greensboro, NC. He enlisted in the US Army shortly before the end of World War II and served with the 555th Parachute Infantry Regiment, an all African American airborne unit. When the Korean War broke out, George volunteered for the newly formed 2nd Ranger Company, the only all African-American ranger unit ever formed. George earned a Silver Star and three Bronze Stars for valor in combat while serving with the Rangers. He went on to serve in the Army for 23 years, including stations in Germany and Corvallis, Oregon, where he taught ROTC at Oregon State University before retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1967. Upon retirement from the Army, George moved to Portland, Oregon, where he was an active member of the community. He worked first for the Concentrated Employment Programs and then as Director of Economic Development and Employment at the Urban League of Portland. He retired in 1985. He served as a commissioner on the Portland Exposition Recreation Commission, the Oregon Racing Commission, and the Center for Community Health. He was a football official for both high school and college football, including many years with the PAC-10. George moved to Lincoln City in 1985, where he enjoyed retirement with golf, music and travel. He explored the United States, along with visits to South and Central America and Europe. His favorite location was Mazatlan, Mexico where he met his wife Dianne, and where he returned annually for more than thirty years. He had a great passion for music, and he sang in many clubs in Portland, Mazatlan, and along the Oregon Coast. George was preceded in death by his son, Scott C. Rankins, and is survived by his wife Dianne of Lincoln City, OR, his daughter Joelle Rankins Goodwin, step-son Dr. Butch Brodie III, step-daughter Kristen Brodie Sparks and 5 grandchildren. A celebration of George's life will be held September 14, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at The Eventuary in Lincoln City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to George's favorite organizations: the Humane Society of Oregon, North Lincoln County Oregon Hospice or the World Wildlife Fund." [Source: The News Guard, Lincoln City, Oregon]
Born December 11, 1932 in Sharon, Connecticut, he was a son of Robert Henry Johnson Jr. and Pearl Clanton Johnson. He died on June 12, 1953 and is buried in Nine partners Cemetery, Millbrook, Mew York. His siblings were Juanita, Glenn, Geraldine, Octavia and Edward Louis "Ed" Johnson Sr. He received the Silver Star in Korea.
Entered the USMC at Montford Point in 1948, beginning a 22-year military career. "During the Battle of Incheon, Roundtree's company single-handedly destroyed three enemy tanks and decimated a reinforced North Korean battalion. As the division moved north into the Chosin Reservoir, he and his fellow Marines found themselves surrounded by an estimated six to eight enemy divisions. With his weapon riddled with enemy bullet holes, and his hands wounded, Roundtree picked up a rifle of a wounded American Marine and charged up a hill to assault an enemy bunker. 'Upon nearing the bunker, he was literally swept from his feet by a hostile satchel charge and, although rolled back down the steep slope, bruised and bleeding, refused medical attention, rendering assistance to other casualties until the serious nature of his wounds compelled his evacuation,' his Silver Star citation reads." [Source: Radio.com] Sgt. Major Roundtree retired from the Marine Corps in 1970. He received a second Silver Star for combat in Vietnam, four Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts. He died on July 08, 2004.
Platoon leaders, 14th Infantry, I Company. He was a pioneering black paratrooper. Silver Star awarded in General Orders 1, January 01, 1951.
2nd Ranger Company.
He became the first African-American aviator in the history of the U.S. Navy. He was killed in action December 4, 1950, while provided close air support at Chosin Reservoir. Brown was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. "The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Jesse Leroy Brown (NSN: 0-504477), United States Navy, for heroism in aerial flight as Pilot of a fighter plane in Fighter Squadron THIRTY-TWO (VF-32), attached to the U.S.S. LEYTE (CV-32), in hostile attacks on hostile North Korean forces. Participating in 20 strikes on enemy military installations, lines of communication, transportation facilities, and enemy troop concentrations in the face of grave hazard, at the Chosin Reservoir, Takshon, Manp Jin, Linchong, Sinuiju, Kasan, Wonsan, Chonjin, Kilchu, and Sinanju during the period 12 October to 4 December 1950. With courageous efficiency and utter disregard for his own personal safety, Ensign Brown, while in support of friendly troops in the Chosin Reservoir area, pressed home numerous attacks destroying an enemy troop concentration moving to attack our troops. So aggressive were these attacks, in the face of enemy anti-aircraft fire, that they finally resulted in the destruction of Ensign Brown's plane by anti-aircraft fire. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
He received a Distinguished Flying Cross during the Korean War for leading a group of four F-80s in close support to a bomber mission under adverse weather conditions to attack enemy troops north of Yongsan, Korea.
He flew 101 missions in the P-51 Mustang and F-80 Shooting Star. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in Korea. James became the first African-American to reach four-star rank in the armed services.
Born in 1932 in Topeka, Kansas, Peterson graduated from Topeka, Kansas high school in 1949 and then became the fist black aviator in the Marine Corps. He was commissioned a Marine aviation officer on October 22, 1952. He entered the Korean War in 1953 and flew 64 combat missions in that war. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and six Air Medals during the Korean War. He flew in the Vietnam War and was wounded in it. He retired in 1988 as a three-star Lieutenant-General and died August 25, 2015.
Officer in the 77th Engineer Combat Company. "The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William M. Benefield, Jr. (0-1685718), Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the 77th Engineer Combat Company, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Benefield distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Sangju, Korea, on 29 July 1950. On that date, during daylight hours, the 77th Engineer Combat Company received orders to advance against the enemy's position. Information was received on the location of an enemy minefield in the path of the company's advance. Realizing the danger to personnel of the company, Lieutenant Benefield, with complete disregard for his personal safety, went forward alone. Although the area was swept by intense small-arms fire, he advanced to within two-hundred yards of the enemy position and attempted to remove the mine field. During this action Lieutenant Benefield was killed. Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 54 (September 6, 1950). Hometown: Crawford, Kansas" [Source: Home of Heroes"
Distinguished Service Cross with one Oak Leaf cluster.
US Army's heavyweight boxing champion and member of the 24th Infantry. "The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Levi Jackson, Jr. (RA13267105), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while attached to Company G, 2d Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Corporal Jackson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Haman, Korea, on 13 August 1950. On this date, Corporal Jackson was serving as medical aid man with Company G when two men were seriously wounded. Moving across the exposed terrain through the withering enemy small arms and automatic-weapons fire, he reached the men and was administering first aid when the enemy laid a devastating barrage on the area. Heedless of his personal safety, he shielded the two wounded men with his own body in an effort to protect them from further wounds. While in this exposed position he was mortally wounded. Corporal Jackson performed his duties as medical corpsman in a heroic manner. His primary concern at all times was the welfare and prompt treatment of the many wounded. On numerous occasions he evacuated men under the most adverse conditions over treacherous terrain while subjected to constant hostile fire. Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 77 (September 23, 1950) Home Town: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania" [Source: Home of Heroes]
"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chester J. Lenon (0-2206421), Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with 77th Engineer Combat Company, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Lenon distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Haman, Korea, on 6 August 1950. On that date, Lieutenant Lenon, Platoon Leader, of the 3d platoon, was covering the withdrawal of Company I, 24th Infantry Regiment, south of Haman, Korea. During this action the platoon was pimped down by intense enemy small-arms and mortar fire. Despite the intense fire, Lieutenant Lenon and six volunteers, flanked the enemy and inflicted heavy casualties which enabled the remainder of the platoon to withdraw. Although wounded, Lieutenant Lenon refused to be evacuated, but remained in an exposed position delivering effective fire on the enemy until his men had reached safety. He then withdrew and despite his wounds devoted himself to the care and treatment of his wounded men. Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 54 (September 6, 1950). Home Town: Montgomery, Kansas" [Source: Home of Heroes]
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963)takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant William Thomas Miles, Jr. (ASN: RA-13266703), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations as a member of the 4th Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne), serving with the 8086th Army Unit Special Troops, Korean Military Assistance Group (KMAG), in action on 6 July 1951, in North Korea. On that date, Sergeant Miles participated in a classified mission, code named Spitfire, behind enemy lines in the vicinity of Karyoju-ri, North Korea, was, along with two other special operations soldiers, attempting to retrieve supply bundles dropped earlier that morning on the wrong drop zone when his group came under fire from a Chinese company advancing toward Spitfire's main base of operations. Sergeant Miles could have broken contact and evaded but elected to engage in a delaying action to give Spitfire's main body time to escape and evade despite knowing he and the other two were facing impossible odds and this decision would likely result in his own death, which it did. Surviving Spitfire members reported the ensuing firefight lasted thirty or so minutes, giving them time to clear the area and evade, eventually reaching friendly lines after a twenty-one day odyssey. Sergeant Miles' actions saved his fellow team members from death or capture and are well above and beyond the call of duty. His heroism, valor, and leadership characteristics are in the finest traditions of the United State's Army and reflect great credit upon him and the military service."
" 70 years ago Master Sergeant Curtis D. Pugh , Company L., 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division was presented the Distinguished Service Cross by General Douglas MacArthur at Kimpo Airfield (present day Gimpo International Airport, Seoul, South Korea). It was coincidentally his 34th birthday. The 24th Infantry was a segregated unit during the war, with black enlisted personnel and a mix of black and white officers, though nearly all senior officers were white. Pugh received the Army's second highest honor for heroism in combat on September 15, 1950 near Battle Mountain west of Haman during the Pusan Perimeter breakout. The action took place in the early morning hours along a narrow ridge of loose shale shrouded in low clouds that reduced visibility to a few feet. Overrun by the enemy, Pugh's company formed a circular defensive position along a sheer drop and held off multiple waves of charging North Koreans. White company commander Major Melvin Blair ordered his men to withdraw from the ridge top once they had depleted their ammunition, throwing his own spent sidearm into the face of an attacker before doing so. Pugh and several others who still had rounds to fire volunteered to cover the withdrawal of their comrades. When most of the company had sufficiently moved back, Blair shouted for the volunteers to join. Still having ammunition Pugh, continued firing at the enemy and urged his commander to keep moving back. At this point, Blair grabbed a rifle from a wounded soldier and moved back up the ridge to assist. In the process, he was tackled to the ground by charging North Koreans, who were swiftly gunned down by Pugh. When Blair regained his footing and again shouted for Pugh to fall back, he responded "Hell, we are having fun." Pugh and his comrades did not fall back until Blair officially ordered them to do so. The group reached the bottom of the mountain four hours later. Major Blair reported, "they are great soldiers…I am recommending Pugh for the Distinguished Service Cross and the other members of the last guard for the Silver Star." Pugh returned to the United States in May 1951 and helped teach student officers combat lessons at Fort Benning, Georgia. At the time of the Korean War, Pugh already had fifteen years of Army service and had earned a Bronze Star for WWII service at Guadalcanal and Italy. He is buried in Wood National Cemetery, Wisconsin (Section F, Site 25)." [Source: Findagrave, #NoVeteranEverDies #BlackHistoryMonth] Master Sergeant Pugh was born February 13, 1917 in Union Springs, Alabama and died December 18, 1994. He is buried in Wood National Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
"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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William DuBois Ware (ASN: 0-967794), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Second Lieutenant Ware distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces west of Sangju, Korea, on 26 July 1950. On that date, Lieutenant Ware, Platoon Leader, Company I, placed personnel of his platoon in a defensive position on a ridge to the Battalion's front. The position was attacked from three sides by numerically superior enemy force armed with automatic weapons and supported by mortar fire. The position soon became untenable and Lieutenant Ware, arming himself with a rifle, ordered his men to withdraw. He was last seen firing from his position on the advancing enemy until his position was overrun." [General Orders: Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 54 (September 6, 1950)]
Took command of the 9Inf's integrated B Company and led it heroically until he was seriously wounded during bitter fighting in late Nov 1950, astride the Chongchon River. "The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ellison Wynn (0-1303423), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Wynn distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kunu-ri, Korea, on 25 November 1950. On that date, Company B was attacking a hill consisting of three knolls occupied by the enemy. As each knoll fell under the company's relentless attack, the enemy withdrew until they were in considerable force when the attack on the last knoll was made. During the attack on this knoll the company commander was wounded and Lieutenant Wynn, assuming command, led his troops in the final assault and routed the enemy. While preparing to pursue the retreating forces, an estimated two companies of enemy counterattacked from an adjacent hill. During this fierce counterattack, the machine-gun section with Lieutenant Wynn was knocked out and the gunner and his assistant were killed. Remaining alone on the hill, Lieutenant Wynn held off the enemy by throwing grenades until his men joined him in defending the position. Although bleeding profusely from wounds he had received, he staunchly directed the defense of his position until the battalion commander ordered a withdrawal. Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 221 (April 19, 1951). Hometown: Suffolk, Massachusetts" [Source: Home of Heroes"]
2nd Ranger Company
2nd Ranger Company. "Master Sgt., E-9 (retired) Anthony J. Andrade departed this world Thursday, November 27, 1986 in Birmingham Alabama Veteran Hospital, at the age of 57 after a lengthy illness. Anthony was born to Joseph and Maria (Brito) Andrade, September 8, 1929 in Long Branch, New Jersey. Sergeant Andrade also known to his friends as Tony, attended St. Peter Claver Catholic Church where he was an altar server as a young boy. He attended school in Asbury Park, New Jersey in which city the church is located, where he spent his childhood. Anthony enlisted into the United States Army in the year 1946 at the age of seventeen. During his service years he met and married the former Marva Shaw of Laurinburg, North Carolina. From this union they were blessed with one daughter, Mrs. Sherrie Moore, who resides at the family home in Huntsville, Alabama. After serving 30 years in the Armed Forces, Anthony retired as a Master Sergeant, E-9, from the 82nd Airborne Division with numerous medals and awards which included the Purple Heart and Bronze Star from the Korean & Vietnam Wars. He leaves behind to mourn, his wife, Marva, daughter, Sherrie, Son-in-law, Christopher Moore and grandson Christopher. In addition, a brother Joseph Andrade Jr., of Tinton Falls, six sisters, Mrs. Mildred Thomas, of Trenton, Mrs. Josephine Butler, of Neptune, Mrs. Rose Shannon, of Michigan, Mrs. Agnes Clay, of Red Bank, Mrs. Antoinette Walker, of Eatontown, Mrs. Joan Jenkins, of Red Bank, a host of nephews, nieces and many relatives and friends. Memorial Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 13, 1986 at 2pm at St. Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church, Asbury Park, New Jersey." [Source: Findagrave]
See Silver Star section.
2nd Ranger Company
Pfc. Clark received a Bronze Star for rescuing his wounded platoon leader on a combat patrol in August 1952. See also, Silver Star section.
2nd Ranger Company.
Recipient of the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf cluster.
2nd Ranger Company for action at Tanyang.
Dr. Fitzgerald was a surgeon in a MASH unit in Korea. Besides his Bronze Star, the doctor was awarded three Purple Heart medals.
2nd Ranger Company for valor on Hill 581
Lt. Elmer Gibson received a Bronze Star for his service as division chaplain for the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea.
Gragg arrived in Korea in June of 1950 with the 3rd Amphibious Duck Company. He saw action at Inchon, Pusan, Seoul, and the Han and Nak Dong Rivers. He received a Bronze Star before leaving Korea in July 1951. He was discharged from the military in 1973 as a Chief C. Officer. After three years of college on the GI Bill he became the owner of his own company.
2nd Ranger Company for action at Tanyang Pass
2nd Ranger Company for bravery in a firefight at Majori-ri Village. Higginbotham died December 27, 1994, in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Born: September 18, 1927, in Sherrill, Arkansas. Korean War Service: 24th Infantry Regiment and 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army, 1951-1952 =. Leonard Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1950 at the age of twenty-three. He served in the Korean War for approximately one year beginning in March 1951 as a corporal in the 24th Infantry Regiment, a segregated African American unit. Following the disbandment of the 24th Infantry in September 1951, Johnson was transferred to the 35th Infantry Regiment. He was wounded in action twice and received a Bronze Star for action near Kumhwa in October 1951. Johnson passed away August 6, 2015. [Source: The Arkansas Korean War Project]
This World War II and Korean War veteran was killed in action on November 28, 1950, in the Battle of Ch'ongch'on River. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his service in World War II. In Korea he served in I Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was born December 17, 1920, at Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland, son of Charles E. and Sadie Kirby. He enlisted on January 5, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland. He had a daughter, Latita Kirby. He is buried at Annapolis National Cemetery.
2nd Ranger Company.
Mercer was leading a squad which engaged in hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy and captured ten prisoners. As a result, he received the Bronze Star for this action which took place on June 18, 1953.
Known as "Super Frog", Tiz Morrison was the first Black-American member of Underwater Demolition Team 1 (UDT). A World War II veteran, he also served in the Korean War, where he earned a Bronze Star. The UDT was the forerunner to our nation's Navy SEALs.
See the Silver Star section.
The long-time U.S. Congressman from Manhattan enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 after dropping out of high school. During the Korean War, Rangel served with the all-black 503rd Field Artillery Battalion in the 2nd Infantry Division. During the fierce Battle of Kunu-ri in November 1950, the Chinese Army encircled Rangel and forty of his fellow soldiers. Despite sustaining shrapnel wounds, Rangel led his comrades to safety from behind enemy lines. Rangel's actions earned him the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor. After the war, he completed high school and became a lawyer and civil rights activist before winning a congressional seat in 1970.
Three Bronze Stars (see also Silver Star section).
2nd Ranger Company for actions in June 1951
2nd Ranger Company for bravery while serving as a medic with the company
Born: September 12, 1930, in Sherrill, Arkansas. Korean War Service: U.S. Army, 1951-1952. Tyler enlisted in the U.S. Army in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1951 at the age of nineteen. He received three bronze stars and three battle stars for his service in the Korean War. [Source: Arkansas Korean War Project]
Bronze Star with V, 2nd Ranger Company, wounded May 20, 1951, in action on Hill 581
2nd Ranger Company for valor near Sang-Kwiryang, Korea, on May 21, 1951. His citation reads: "On this date, when the left flank of the 2d Ranger Company was overrun by a numerically superior enemy force, Corporal Wells, light machine gunner in the company, and his assistant were directed by the platoon leader to cover the withdrawal of the 3d Platoon to high ground within the 1st Platoon's positions. The machine gun had been damaged in a previous firefight and was low on ammunition. In spite of these obstacles Corporal Wells effectively covered the withdrawal of his unit. While in his exposed position, he was subjected to fire from three enemy machine guns, but he remained in position, constantly applying immediate action to his gun to keep it in operation until all ammunition was expended. Corporal Wells then threw hand grenades at the enemy until told to withdraw by the commanding officer. The heroic actions displayed by Corporal Wells reflect great credit on him and the military service."
Bronze Star recipient [See Black-American Firsts section.]