Born: July 16, 1921 1st Lieutenant, United States Army
B CO, 1ST BATTALION, 180TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 45TH INFANTRY DIVISION
Home or Place of Enlistment: Pocatello, Idaho Killed in Action: October 2, 1952
SILVER STAR CITATION
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING Korean War Service: Army; Rank: First Lieutenant Battalion: 1st Battalion, 45th Infantry Division GENERAL ORDERS: Headquarters, 45th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 600 (1952)
CITATION: (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Infantry) Walter Roy Graham (ASN: 0-964994), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division in Korea.
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:
COMPANIES A, B, AND F, 180TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 45TH INFANTRY DIVISION
CITATION: Companies A, B, and F, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, are cited for outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Sidamak, Korea, during the period 6 to 17 June 1952. On 6 June, the companies were assigned the mission of assaulting and securing a strategic hill vital to the success of campaigns in the entire area. Assault groups bearing fixed bayonets advanced toward the well-entrenched, numerically superior hostile troops and, striking swiftly, drove them from the hill before effective concentrated fire could be brought to bear. Moving into pre-planned positions, the companies then established a defensive perimeter to ward off counterattacks. During the night, several weak counterattacks were repulsed, but early the next morning, the volume of fire from surrounding hills became more intense. Working relentlessly to fortify defensive positions, the exhausted allied troops were subjected to 2,000 rounds of artillery and mortar fire during one 6-hour period. The formidable obstacles occasioned by the evacuation of the wounded, resupply, communications, and construction of defenses were overcome by an outstanding display of cooperation and courageous aggressiveness under fire. On the night of 8 June, following a devastating barrage, hostile troops swarmed on the position in a desperate bid to rout the allied defenders. Time and again during the 11-day period which followed, the hostile forces were repulsed, suffering extremely heavy casualties. In addition, the allied defense of the position accomplished the vital tactical mission of neutralizing enemy effectiveness in the entire sector. Companies A, B, and F, 180th Infantry regiment, 45th Infantry Division, displayed such outstanding tenacity and determination in accomplishing their hazardous mission as to set them apart from and above other units participating in the action. The extraordinary heroism and selfless devotion to duty exhibited by the members of the companies reflect great credit on themselves and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service of the United States.
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:
FORTY-FIFTH INFANTRY DIVISION, UNITED STATES ARMY
CITATION: For the period 10 December 1951 to 31 July 1953. The 45th United States Infantry Division continually exhibited extraordinary valor in combat and an unsurpassed excellence in the training and coordinating of Republic of Korea forces. In June 1952, the Division initiated a series of brilliant surprise attacks in order to establish a formidable outpost line beyond the existing main line of resistance and acquired many new positions, including the now famous hill masses of “Eerie” and “Baldy.” The outposts were held securely in spite of the intense enemy counterattacks to recapture the strategic sites. Without yielding any of the newly acquired gains, the Division inflicted heavy losses upon the foe before it was replaced after over two hundred days of continuous combat. At this point, the men of the 45th United States Infantry Division undertook the important task of technically training Republic of Korea troops. Their efforts were rewarded by a display of brilliant combat effectiveness throughout the Republic of Korea forces. The return to front line positions in September 1952 by the Thunderbird Division created a new chapter in the military accomplishments of both United States and Korean troops as the two fused and fought together with a rare display of unity. During the Communist summer offensive of 1953, the 45th United States Infantry Division once again exhibited its fighting spirit and singleness of purpose as it frustrated enemy attacks and preserved vital positions on “Sand Bag Castle,” “Heartbreak Ridge,” and “Christmas Hill.” The steadfast devotion to duty, gallantry in battle and cooperative spirit with which Republic of Korea troops were made an integral part of a unified force reflect the greatest credit upon the 45th United States Infantry Division and uphold the most esteemed traditions of the military profession.