Date of Enlistment: September 18, 1950 Home or Place of Enlistment: Dayton, Idaho Died of Wounds: September 1, 1951 Location / Battle Zone: Bloody Ridge
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.
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (NAVY)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation by the Secretary of the Navy to:
THE FIRST MARINE DIVISION, REINFORCED (INCLUDING 9TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 1ST BATTALION)
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION: For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea during the periods 21 to 26 April, 16 May to 30 June, and 11 to 25 September 1951. Spearheading the first counteroffensive in the spring of 1951, the FIRST Marine Division, Reinforced, engaged the enemy in the mountainous center of Korea in a brilliant series of actions unparalleled in the history of the Marine Corps, destroying and routing hostile forces with an unrelenting drive of seventy miles north from Wonju. During the period 21 to 26 April, the full force of the enemy counter-offensive was met by the Division, north of the Hwachon Reservoir. Although major units flanking the Marine Division were destroyed or driven back by the force of this attack, the Division held firm against the attackers, repelling the onslaught from three directions and preventing the encirclement of the key center of the lines. Following a rapid regrouping of friendly forces in close contact with the enemy, the First Marine Division, Reinforced, was committed into the flanks of the massive enemy penetration and, from 16 May to 30 June, was locked in a violent and crucial battle which resulted in the enemy being driven back to the north with disastrous losses to his forces in the number of killed, wounded and captured. Carrying out a series of devastating assaults, the Division succeeded in reducing the enemy's main fortified complex dominating the 38th parallel. In the final significant offensive of the action in Korea, from 11 to 25 September 1951, the First Marine Division, Reinforced, completed the destruction of the enemy forces in Eastern Korea by advancing the front against a final desperate enemy defense in the ‘Punch Bowl’ area in heavy action which completed the liberation of South Korea in this locality. With the enemy’s major defenses reduced, his forces on the central front decimated, and the advantage of terrain and the tactical initiative passing to friendly forces, he never again recovered sufficiently to resume the offensive in Korea. The outstanding courage, resourcefulness and aggressive fighting spirit of the officers and men of the First Marine Division, Reinforced, reflect the highest credit upon themselves and the United States Naval Service.
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.