Born: February 28, 1928 Sergeant First Class, United States Army Service# US56081271
D CO, 578TH ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION, 40TH INFANTRY DIVISION
Date of Enlistment: November 9, 1950 Home or Place of Enlistment: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Killed in Action: February 18, 1952
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:
FORTIETH INFANTRY DIVISION, UNITED STATES ARMY
CITATION: For the period 22 January 1952 to 15 January 1954. The 40th United States Infantry Division arrived in Korea in January 1952 and assumed control of the Kumwha sector on the central front. Consolidating their positions along the entire line assigned to them, the troops of this Division maintained the security of a broad segment of the battle area and successfully contained the enemy. On 30 June 1952, the Division was relieved on position by the 2d Republic of Korea Army Division with artillery elements of the Division remaining on position in support of the Korean troops. Intermittently assigned to reserve and to front line positions, the Division continually rendered active support to various Republic of Korea units and made evident its superior combat and training proficiency. On 27 April 1953, the Division received the responsibility of defending part of the main line of resistance along the northern rim of the Punch Bowl and later was assigned to protect the Heartbreak Ridge sector. Division units such as 143d and 981st Field Artillery Battalion, and many others continued with their mission of supporting the 12th Republic of Korea Army Division. During the entire campaign, the Division displayed superb solidarity and combat effectiveness in performing the many vital duties assigned to it and exhibited outstanding resoluteness in its training and supporting of Republic of Korea forces. The individual concern of all members in aiding their Korean comrades-in-arms and the consistent efficiency prominent throughout the Division’s service in Korea reflect great credit on the 40th Infantry Division, the United States Army, and the entire United Nations Forces.