Born: March 4, 1928 Private First Class, United States Army Service# US56093468
B CO, 1ST BATTALION, 179TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 45TH INFANTRY DIVISION
Date of Enlistment: October 24, 1950 Home or Place of Enlistment: Buhl, Idaho Killed in Action: May 27, 1952 Location Or Battle Zone: Chorwon Area
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.