Born: December 17, 1923 1st Lieutenant, United States Army Service# O-1332691
G CO, 2ND BATTALION, 23RD INFANTRY REGIMENT, 2ND INFANTRY DIVISION
Date of Enlistment: May 29, 1944 Home or Place of Enlistment: Moscow, Idaho Killed in Action: October 10, 1951 Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, North Korea
FIRST ARMY DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION (PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION)
As authorized by executive order 9396 and in the name of the President of the United States, the Distinguished Unit Citation is awarded to:
CITATION: The 23d Regimental Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division, is cited for extraordinary heroism in combat near Chipyong-ni, Korea, during the period 13 through 15 February 1951. These units, comprising a regimental combat team, were disposed in a defensive perimeter around Chipyong-ni with the hazardous mission of holding this important communications center and denying the enemy its extensive road net. On 13 February, hordes of Chinese Communist troops launched many determined attacks from every quarter, strongly supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire. Prearranged fire with artillery, tanks, and mortars hurled back these fanatical assaults until the morning of 14 February, when the enemy separated the 23d Regimental Combat Team from supporting units to the south, entirely surrounded it, and made resupply possible only by air drop. Because of the encircling force, estimated to be four Chinese Communist divisions, the Chipyong-ni perimeter rapidly developed into a “stand or die” defense. Fierce hand-to-hand combat engaged the two forces in the evening of the second day of the siege and only one company remained in reserve. With ammunition stocks running low, this one remaining unit was committed on 15 February and waves of attacking Chinese Communists again were stemmed. Shortly after noon of 15 February, radio contact was reestablished with a relief force, and friendly tanks broke through the enemy encirclement and forced his withdrawal. The dogged determination, gallantry, and indomitable spirit displayed by the 23d Regimental Combat Team when completely surrounded and cut off, the destruction of attacking Chinese Communist hordes which enabled the United Nations Forces to maintain their front and resume the offensive, and the steadfast and stubborn refusal to allow a fanatical and numerically superior force to dislodge them are in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit on all members of the units who participated in this historical combat action.
SECOND ARMY DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION (PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION)
As authorized by executive order 9396 and in the name of the President of the United States, the Distinguished Unit Citation is awarded to:
THE 2D INFANTRY DIVISION, AND ASSIGNED AND ATTACHED UNITS
CITATION: The 2d Infantry Division, and assigned and attached units, are cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the armed enemy in the vicinity of Hongchon, Korea, during the period 16 to 22 May 1951. Defending the critical sector of the Eighth Army battle front, the 2d Infantry Division and attached units faced a hostile force of 12 Chinese Communist divisions with an estimated strength of 120,000 troops. The Third Chinese Communist Army group drove the full force of its savage assault against the 2d Infantry Division with the specific mission of annihilation of the unit. The right flank of the unit was completely exposed when enemy pressure broke through adjacent United Nations elements. Pressure increased and each night enemy forces bypassed the staunch defenders and occupied positions to their rear areas. Tactical units of the 2d Infantry Division launched fierce counterattacks which destroyed enemy penetrations, successfully extricated themselves, and through readjustment of positions, stopped the onslaught of the Chinese Communist forces. Executing planned withdrawals and extending their flank eastward over extremely rugged, mountainous terrain, the 2d Infantry Division contained and held all enemy attempts to envelop and destroy the Eighth Army. The heroic and determined stand by the 2d Infantry Division and attached units provided critically required time for other Eighth Army units to regroup and block the attempted enemy envelopment. Without thought of defeat, this heroic unit demonstrated superb battlefield courage, knowledge, and discipline and displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing this extremely difficult and hazardous mission as to set it apart and above other units participating in similar operations. Its sustained brilliance in battle, resolution, and extraordinary heroism reflect unsurpassed credit on those courageous soldiers who participated and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Army, the United Nations Forces, and their own homelands.
REPUBLIC OF KOREA PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
By Order of the Secretary of the Army, the Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded by the President of the Republic of Korea to:
SECOND INFANTRY DIVISION, UNITED STATES ARMY
CITATION: During the period 16 September 1950 to 26 October 1953, the Second United States Infantry Division and Units indicated exhibited extraordinary valor in combat and excellence in the training and integration of Republic of Korea forces into their ranks. Upon its arrival in Korea, the Second Infantry Division was promptly committed to the fluid battle line in an effort to generate a formidable offensive. On 16 September 1950, the Division as part of the Eighth United States Army, launched an intensive attack in order to break out of the Pusan Perimeter. Displaying a high degree of aggressiveness and esprit de corps, the troops drove north of the 38th Parallel and maintained their effectiveness as they pushed on farther into enemy territory. The intervention, on 25 November 1950, of the Chinese Communists, completely altered existing tactics and the Division was assigned the hazardous task of fighting a delaying rearguard action. The superlative combat proficiency and courage in the face of overwhelming odd enabled the Division to successfully protect the Eighth Army strategic withdrawal. Continually exhibiting resourcefulness and tenacity throughout this epic struggle, the Division again and again repulsed determined enemy attacks, inflicting heavy losses and disorganizing the foe’s operations. Upon the cessation of hostilities, the Division held the base of the Chorwon-Kunhwa-Ponggang Iron Triangle and was prepared to meet any thrust that might have been made by the enemy. The exceptional gallantry evident in every action of the Second United States Infantry Division, and the cooperative spirit with which Republic of Korea troops were made a part of a unified force contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the mission of the United Nations and reflect great credit upon the military service.