Born: February 23, 1918 Master Sergeant, United States Army Service# RA06588960
2ND SIGNAL COMPANY, 2ND INFANTRY DIVISION
Dates of Enlistment: March 4, 1940 Home or Place of Enlistment: Nampa, Idaho Died: May 18, 1951 (Non-combat related illness.)
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 faces 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.
ARMY MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION
By direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to
THE 2D SIGNAL COMPANY, 2D INFANTRY DIVISION
for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service
CITATION: The 2d Signal Company, 2d Infantry Division, is cited for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service in Korea in support of combat operations during the period 17 August 1950 to 16 April 1951. The 2d Signal Company had the mission of providing all signal communications for Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division. Despite a rapidly changing tactical situation and adverse conditions, the company installed 50 command post signal networks and provided and maintained wire lines to the combat units. It also operated a radio relay section and provided official signal corps photography for the division. The 2d Signal Company displayed such outstanding devotion and superior performance of exceptionally difficult tasks as to set it apart and above other units with similar missions. The meritorious achievements and exemplary conduct of the 2d Signal Company, 2d Infantry Division, reflect great credit on itself, each individual member, and 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:
SECOND INFANTRY DIVISION, UNITED STATES ARMY
CITATION: For the defense of the Naktong river line against determined and heavy enemy attack from 1 September to 5 September 1950. The enemy's attack was designed to cut the Pusan-Taegu line of communications and, in conjunction with a nearly simultaneous attack against the Republic of Korea Army from the South. Although its lines were deeply penetrated by a superior North Korean force, the Second Division repulsed the enemy's attack. This marked and brilliant performance of duty by each individual member of the Second Infantry Division of the United States Army is in accord with the highest traditions of military service.